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Wednesday, Feb 24th 2010
Hair Loss During Pregnancy?
At five months pregnant, my friend Samantha is dealing with something most women experience at some point during a pregnancy or while breast-feeding: hair loss. Over the last few months she has noticed that she's losing more hair than usual, especially when she washes it and combs it out. Understandably, she's a little freaked out and wondering if there's anything she can do about it.
Personally, I experienced big-time hair loss for about four months after I delivered, as did many of my mom-friends. During my pregnancy my locks seemed fuller, brighter and healthier (don't hate me!). Unsure how to help Samantha, I turned to Dana Jacoby, MD for answers.
Dr. Jacoby explained that women usually experience hair loss after pregnancy--which, as I mentioned, I certainly did. However, he explained that during pregnancy, major hair loss would be uncommon and may be a sign of an underactive thyroid or vitamin deficiency. He recommended that Samantha talk to her health care provider so that they can properly diagnose the cause and determine how best to treat it.
So, there you have it. If you're dealing with the same issue, it's good to know you're not alone and that your health care provider can address the problem, isn't it?
Note: The information provided here is not meant to replace a visit to your health care provider. He or she knows you, and your medical history, better than anyone. We strongly encourage you to speak with your health care professional about your particular health concerns.
Comments
Mar 29, 2012 15:Mar 3 | Ebinabo said
Aug 17, 2011 07:Aug 7 | yas said
losing my hair
Hi, Am 10 weeks pregnant and i noticed am losing alot of my hair
i dont know what to do with that
in my first pregnancy I had a very thick hair but this time its different
anyone can help me please??
May 11, 2011 10:May 10 | Bridget Thompson said
Hair loss during pregnancy
I have the same problem. Hair loss during. My Dr. checked thyroid and it was fine, but they also checked my testosterone levels. Testosterone was elevated and causing fatigue and hair loss during pregnancy. I would have them test for testosterone levels just to be sure.
Feb 20, 2011 23:Feb 11 | said
I am 26 weeks along and I am
I am 26 weeks along and I am experiencing the exact same thing as your friend Samantha. I've been to my doctor as well as a dermatologist. My thyroid levels are fine, as well as my vitamins. So what's the deal? Every article I've managed to find online ALWAYS mentions the loss after pregnancy, but no one seems to have an answer for the DURING. It's super frustrating finding articles like this one with a great title, and offering very little else than the authors personal hair-loss after pregnancy. I hope Samantha's hair returns, I know she's thinking exactly what I am.. so if I'm losing this much now, I will be bald 6 months after the birth when the hair cycle returns to 'normal' and the typical loss afterwards has completed. Best of luck to anyone else out there experiencing this.
Feb 21, 2012 16:Feb 4 | iamjessica99@hotmail.com said
Hairloss during pregnancy
Hi there! I came across your info today, and noticed that it was written a year ago. I experienced the very same thing and have the same worry about postpartum hair loss. I just delivered my baby and the hair loss continues. I was hoping that you could let me know how your hair loss is now, a year later? Any info would be so appreciated!
Thanks!
Jessica
Aug 17, 2011 08:Aug 8 | Melissa said
hair loss
Hi..i was wondering if you ever found out why your hair was falling out? Mine has been falling out since i found out i was preg. I'm now almost 17wks and most of my hair is gone. It's so depressing and i keep it in a bun all the time now. They just keep telling me that the baby is taking all my nutrients, but i eat better this time than i did w/my first, and i had long, thick hair then. I've been taking vit's for a year b4 and started prenatals as soon as i found out. I go to the Dr again next Tues. Is there a test i should ask that they do? I was thinking about the Testosterone level. I appreciate any help or advice you can give.
Melissa
Dec 09, 2010 01:Dec 1 | hair loss for women said
http://www.leimo.com.au
It is normal for pregnant woman or to those who just gave birth to have hair loss.
Feb 25, 2010 12:Feb 12 | said
As if pregnancy isn't difficult enough!
I lost so much hair after my little one was born I worried I would never have a full head of hair again! Fortunately it all came back after a few months and has been normal ever since.
Feb 25, 2010 12:Feb 12 | said
Your poor friend; I hope this
Your poor friend; I hope this situation doesn't overly stress her. Stress alone can be so damaging to our health and when you are with child those same issues might be hurting the fetus as well.
