Hair post-children

[Lochie]

Another one from me!!

Just wondering if anyone post-children has any experience of changes to hair in a bad way (in my case it is hair thinning actual loss around the hair line). I feel its too vain for a trip to the doctors (though I am thinking about it), but I do feel it is quite marked?I frequently wear my hair in a ponytail and have the last 6 months started to be quite shocked at the thinning patches I can see in any photos.

If this has happened to you have you found any supplements have helped or dietary changes? Any experiences appreciated.

[midivydale]

Hey,

Me me me!! I would say it is not vain to go to the doctors at all as it could potentially be a medical reason for this. A simple blood test could very well reveal the cause, such as thyroid or hormone problems.

*waiting for Saffron to come along with further knowledge to share*.....

[sylviamaria]

Since my second daughter 8 months ago I am still losing a significant amount of hair! Every time I brush or wash I feel I loose a whole wigs-worth! I have been pretty bad with taking my post natal vitamins though. I feel for you - I 'll keep an eye on this thread for any solutions. X

[Alijones]

My little man is two and my hair has been falling out consistently since he was born. My hairdresser suggested I might be anaemic over a year ago, but it was only after being shattered a couple of months ago I finally went to the Dr. A blood test confirmed I was badly anaemic so am on 3 x 200mg iron tablets a day and feel so much better already. Definitely go to the Dr so you can check things tested :-).

[srisky]

sylviamaria Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Since my second daughter 8 months ago I am still

> losing a significant amount of hair! Every time I

> brush or wash I feel I loose a whole wigs-worth! I

> have been pretty bad with taking my post natal

> vitamins though. I feel for you - I 'll keep an

> eye on this thread for any solutions. X

Sylviamaria - you are may be experiencing the normal hair loss post-natally, which typically happens around this time. During pregnancy the normal daily hair loss is much less than in the non- pregnant state, so once the pregnancy hormones settle you lose the hair that you 'gained', if you see what I mean! It should settle back to normal soon, if not, as others said, ask your GP for advice.

[SBot]

My daughter is now 4 years old and I still seem to lose a lot of hair daily. I remember that I managed to block the drain (not just the plug) with all my hair loss!! Could have made a wig with what I pulled out I the drain outside (gag!)

I am very thin around the front.

[Lochie]

Thank you, it is good to know am not alone in this. I had anaemia about 18 months ago and never got retested so I'll probably head back to the GP to get that checked and ask for hair advice too. I'll update if s/he imparts any useful info.

[espelli]

I also had this after the birth of my son. I ended up having a vitamin D deficiency which can cause all sorts of symptoms which I had just put down to being a new mum and then going back to work. I didn't go to the docs for ages as I didn't think there was a medical cause but the doctor was very understanding when I did finally go! And the vit D made a dramatic difference very quickly.

[Saffron]

midivydale Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Hey,

>

> Me me me!! I would say it is not vain to go to the

> doctors at all as it could potentially be a

> medical reason for this. A simple blood test could

> very well reveal the cause, such as thyroid or

> hormone problems.

>

> *waiting for Saffron to come along with further

> knowledge to share*.....

Sorry, laaaaaaaaaate reply. I have been SWAMPED with work.

Postpartum hair loss driven by *normal* hormonal changes seems to be most noticeable 2-4 months after the birth. This type of hair loss is hair loss fairly evenly all over, because all follicles are affected (though it may be more noticeable where hair is long or dark -- losing one really long hair looks like a lot, but it's just one hair). This will improve with time, but improvement may be slow.

As the 6 month postpartum mark approaches, calcium & iron stores may become naturally depleted in breastfeeding mothers. This can also drive hair loss, and will tend to affect all follicles fairly equally. However, if you're already taking supplements and still losing hair, then it's time for a blood test and advice on what type of supplement, how much and when to take it.

A blood test could also help rule out other fairly common postpartum problems, such as abnormal oestrogen levels, thyroid problems, etc. Depending on the type of hair loss and presence of other symptoms, a doctor might also test for other rare conditions (esp'y if there is a family history), such as auto-immune diseases, e.g. lupus. (Don't freak out b/c that's pretty rare, but it's definitely worth considering family histories.)

Persistent hair loss, very heavy hair loss, and/or hair loss that is definitely patchy or patterned is not normal postpartum. This could have an *abnormal* hormonal cause, and could affect different follicles differently. Patchy hair loss could also be the result of traction. Basically, your skin can be very delicate postpartum, and repeatedly pulling hair back too tight can cause hair loss where the scalp is pulled too tight for too long (this can also happen with hair extensions).

Significant hair loss persisting past 6-9 months should really be investigated by your GP. As you're approaching the one year mark postpartum, hormone levels (even in breastfeeding mothers), and mineral levels should be normalising, and hair loss should be starting to improve. Hair loss that worsens or does not improve should be investigated. A blood test is simple and not expensive, insist on it. Don't get fobbed off by an unsympathetic GP. If your regular GP won't test you. Wait ~2 weeks, and book with another GP at the practice. Tell him/her that the hair loss is not improving.

Good luck! xx