Before I gave birth to my first daughter, I had silky, full head of hair that I was rather proud of. I’ve always had very straight hair, and was really able to do just about any hairstyle I desired.
Then, I became a mom.
Now, I’m not quite sure exactly how hair loss and motherhood coincide, but for the past 7 years, I have watched my full head of hair, turn into a flat, thin head of hair and I am shocked at how much hair leaves my head on a daily basis.
I know that hair loss is typical right after childbirth, and even up to 6 months postpartum…but, 7 years later? You should see my bathroom floor when I’m finished blow-drying my hair. I often get embarrassed when we stay overnight with a friend, and I have to take the time when I’m done getting ready to clean up all of the hair in their bathroom.
So, I recently turned my sites to an online search on solution for hair loss in women and I actually found a number of reasons for hair loss in women, however I honed in on one in particular:
Telogen Effluvium – a scalp disorder characterized by thinning/shedding of hair resulting from the early entry of hairs into the telogen phase.
Telogen Effluvium can be caused by a number of factors, such as eating disorders, childbirth, and anemia to name a few, however I happened to hone in on one cause that rang a bell with me: stress. I’ve been a ball of stress for at least half of my life, and honestly it’s not intentional, I’m just a worrier by default.
Sigh… I guess I better take up meditation. Have you experienced prolonged hair loss after childbirth?
If you haven’t had your thyroid checked (by blood test) you should do that. Hypothyroidism can be a cause for hair loss, fatigue and weight gain.
Best of luck!
Thanks Tracey – that’s a great suggestion. I did just have a full work up a few months back and all was ok, but maybe I should be rechecked!