What should you know about excessive postpartum hair loss?

Pregnancy can keep more hairs in a growing phase. After delivery, a group of hairs may shift into the resting and shedding phase, so extra hair can appear on a pillow, brush or in the shower. This diffuse shedding is different from smooth round patches, scalp inflammation or breakage. Anaemia, thyroid problems, nutritional depletion, stress and some medicines can also contribute, especially when tiredness, dizziness, palpitations or other symptoms accompany the loss.

Use a gentle shampoo, detangle carefully and avoid tight hairstyles, frequent heat, bleaching and harsh chemical treatments while shedding is active. Eat regular balanced meals and discuss supplements before starting them, particularly while breastfeeding. Take clear photographs of the parting and temples so change is easier to judge. A clinician can assess the scalp and decide whether Hair Supplement Therapy or Topical Minoxidil is appropriate; treatment choices depend on pregnancy and breastfeeding status.

Arrange an appointment if loss is patchy, rapidly worsening, associated with scalp pain or scale, or continues without improvement. Seek earlier review for marked fatigue, faintness, breathlessness, palpitations, cold intolerance or unexpected weight change, because these may point to an issue beyond normal postpartum shedding. Prompt assessment is also sensible when the scalp is tender, inflamed or infected-looking.

Does my pattern fit postpartum shedding or another type of Hair Loss? Should I be checked for iron deficiency or thyroid disease? Which supplements are suitable for me, and can I use Topical Minoxidil while pregnant or breastfeeding?