An increase in female hormones during pregnancy improves hair quality, but after childbirth there is a sharp decline in these hormones
In a recent interview, actress Claudia Raia says she suffered from intense hair loss after the birth of her last child, Luca. The 56-year-old actress reports losing so many “wisps” that she “felt like a wig was falling out of her hair.” But why does this happen if, during pregnancy, in general, her hair is beautiful and strong?
According to Deborah Beranger, endocrinologist with specialization in Endocrinology and Metabology at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro (SCMRJ), female hormones are linked to the growth and good consistency of hair and “that’s why during pregnancy, when they are in abundance , the hair becomes more beautiful, shiny, dense, strong and with above average growth.”
“During pregnancy, due to the stimulation of female hormones in the hair, the locks are in the anagen, growth phase. So, in general, pregnant women, except those with iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, folic acid or vitamin D deficiency, have excellent hair quality. However, in the postpartum period there is great concern about hair loss. This phenomenon is called post-gestational telogen effluvium, with intense hair loss,” explains Lilian Brasileiro, a doctor specialized in Dermatology.
According to Lilian, while during pregnancy the increase in female hormones causes vasodilation in the hair bulb, bringing more oxygen and nutrients, keeping the hair growing for a long period, after giving birth there is a marked decrease in female hormones , which favors falling.
“This condition can start mainly in the first four to six months. There is a decline in female hormones in postpartum and post-caesarean section due to the stress of the post-operative period and often in cases where the patient does not rest enough, she does not eat as she should, in addition to the problem of breastfeeding breast. Physical and emotional stress with hormonal changes can lead to hair loss. One recommendation could be the introduction of vitamins to improve hair performance and nutrition in the last trimester,” she says.
The problem may resolve itself
According to Lilian this is an important characteristic to think about, observe and prevent.
“Although telogen effluvium can be resolved on its own, we can immediately start taking high doses of vitamins, control iron levels and problems related to female hormones and thyroid, vitamin D, zinc and folic acid; and use specific substances if they are lacking or replace a specific nutritional intake for the hair part”, underlines the doctor.
Regarding nutritional supplements for hair, in the third trimester, the doctor explains that, in addition to folic acid, substances such as biotin, silicon, iron and zinc can be used. Furthermore, it is possible to put into practice some topical treatments, such as the use of lotions.
“And, in the clinic, after birth, treatments such as the non-ablative fractional laser and the drug microinfusion technique can be used, also associated with HydraFacial Keravive,” explains the doctor.
“The procedure provides deep cleansing and exfoliation that the patient cannot achieve with regular washing at home, while infusing substances that nourish the hair. Keravive can also contribute to the treatment of hair loss, being able to stimulate the growth of follicles if they are at rest. In general, improving the health of the scalp, with greater nutritional support and an increase in the microcirculation process, can contribute to the treatment of different types of hair loss”, concludes the specialist.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
