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Hair loss after pregnancy
My hair has been falling out since giving birth to my child, I am worried about this as I normally have thick hair. Why is this happening?
Most women experience hair loss around three months after their child is born. This may occur due to the changes in the body hormones which occur during pregnancy, breast feeding and post pregnancy. During pregnancy there is more estrogen (female hormone) being produced in the body. This is a hormone which causes the hair to thicken and grow. Many women are told that their hair is healthy and their skin is glowing during pregnancy and estrogen is the reason behind this positive effect of pregnancy.
After birth this hormone slowly decreases and progesterone (another female hormone) is used to produce breast milk. This change in hormone fluctuations can cause the hair to be shed.
Common causes of hair loss
- A decline in Kidney energy slows normal hair growth as Kidney energy influences hormone regulation and naturally declines with age
- Hair loss is associated with stagnant (slow moving) or deficient (lacking nutrient) Blood. A decrease in nutrients and nourishment to the hair follicle results in hair loss
- Congested energy (Qi) in the Liver impairs Blood flow throughout the body contributing to hair loss
- Hormonal imbalances may be a contributing factor due to a decline in Kidney energy (especially after chilldbirth), creates liver stagnation and may reduce nutritional status to the hair shaft
For further information see the Ask a Naturopath.com webpage concerning hair loss