Postpartum hair loss (telogen effluvium) is normal and affects 40-50% of mothers — it's not a disease but a physiological response.
Why It Happens:
- During pregnancy: High estrogen keeps hair in growth phase — hair looks thicker.
- After delivery: Estrogen drops suddenly — all hair that should have fallen during pregnancy falls at once.
- Usually starts 2-4 months after delivery.
How Long It Lasts:
- Peak: Months 3-5 postpartum — heavy scary shedding but temporary.
- Gradually improves and returns to normal within 6-12 months.
- If continues beyond a year — there's another cause needing investigation.
What to Do:
- Don't panic — this is normal and will stop.
- Ensure iron, vitamin D, and thyroid are normal — deficiency prolongs shedding.
- Take postnatal vitamins (iron + B12 + folic acid).
- Use gentle shampoo. Avoid tight styles and heat.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we test postpartum mothers to ensure shedding is physiological and not due to a deficiency needing treatment.