Postpartum Shedding

Hormones play a huge part before, during and after pregnancy. There may be no more important a hormone than estrogen during this time. Once childbirth has taken place, estrogen levels tend to drop off which often leads to hair follicles going into a kind of hibernation. Estrogen works as a kind of override to testosterone which is known to shorten the growth cycle of hair.

For most women, the period of shedding last anywhere from six months to a year so while it can be upsetting, there is comfort in knowing it will pass. Treatment to combat shedding involves vitamin supplements, an increase in omega 3 and head massages using castor and almond oil.