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Suggest Ways To Prevent Hair Loss During Pregnancy

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Posted on Fri, 12 Feb 2016
Question: I noticed I now have a bald spot coming in. I am 10 weeks pregnant and have never had balding issues. What could be the cause? What can I do to prevent further hair loss?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your hair loss is from hormonal causes and it will likely regrow on its own

Detailed Answer:
Hello and I hope I can help you today.

Many women experience changes in their hair and skin after becoming pregnant. The hormone that is normally present in the second half of your menstrual cycle, progesterone, can be sometimes associated with hair loss.

But most commonly, hair loss during, or immediately after pregnancy, is due to the fact that pregnancy can coordinate the lifecycle of all hair on your head. Normally, hair goes through a growth cycle of between 2 to 5 years before the follicle dies and it is shed. The hormones of pregnancy can sometimes coordinate the ending of the growth cycle of many hairs at the same time, which means that it will be a large portion of hair is falling out all. However, that all the mean that new hair is beginning to grow to replace the others, which means that the area of hair thinning should grow in new natural hair growth within three months.

Other causes of hair loss in women can include tight pulling of the hair by braids or ponytails, or direct trauma to the scalp from hair products or scratching. Rarely, fungal infections of the scalp can also cause hair loss.

The dermatologist is the correct type of specialist to examine your hair. If it is not seem like hair from this area is growing back within a few months it might be prudent to see a dermatologist for evaluation. In the meantime, decreasing the use of hair styling products, harsh shampoos, and heated styling can help avoid hair breakage and keep the hair you have healthier. Products like Rogaine may be associated with a risk of birth defects, see are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today, and that my advice was helpful.

Please do not hesitate to contact me further if I can be of any additional assistance.

Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy,

Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Jacqueline Brown (27 minutes later)
Thank you so much for your fast response. Its made me feel much better that I'm not alone. Should I expect this to occur throughout my pregnancy or should the actual hair loss stop soon. I would love to be at the point where is growing back and not falling out. It's really sad.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There is no way to know for sure, but it is unlikely to improve for months

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Unfortunately, if your baldness is just caused by the hormones of pregnancy, you may not see relief for even a few months is that length of time is necessary to begin a new growth cycle, or in worst case, until after you have the baby.

However, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist if it does not improve soon just because if you have some type of scalp infection or skin condition that is not related to hormones it may be able to be treated.

I am sorry that I could not be of more help, but the one positive thing about hormonal conditions that develop during pregnancy is that no matter what, once the baby is born, things do tend to improve.

Take care, and thank you again for using healthcaremagic.com,

Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Jacqueline Brown

OBGYN

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 1425 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Prevent Hair Loss During Pregnancy

Brief Answer: Your hair loss is from hormonal causes and it will likely regrow on its own Detailed Answer: Hello and I hope I can help you today. Many women experience changes in their hair and skin after becoming pregnant. The hormone that is normally present in the second half of your menstrual cycle, progesterone, can be sometimes associated with hair loss. But most commonly, hair loss during, or immediately after pregnancy, is due to the fact that pregnancy can coordinate the lifecycle of all hair on your head. Normally, hair goes through a growth cycle of between 2 to 5 years before the follicle dies and it is shed. The hormones of pregnancy can sometimes coordinate the ending of the growth cycle of many hairs at the same time, which means that it will be a large portion of hair is falling out all. However, that all the mean that new hair is beginning to grow to replace the others, which means that the area of hair thinning should grow in new natural hair growth within three months. Other causes of hair loss in women can include tight pulling of the hair by braids or ponytails, or direct trauma to the scalp from hair products or scratching. Rarely, fungal infections of the scalp can also cause hair loss. The dermatologist is the correct type of specialist to examine your hair. If it is not seem like hair from this area is growing back within a few months it might be prudent to see a dermatologist for evaluation. In the meantime, decreasing the use of hair styling products, harsh shampoos, and heated styling can help avoid hair breakage and keep the hair you have healthier. Products like Rogaine may be associated with a risk of birth defects, see are not recommended for use during pregnancy. I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today, and that my advice was helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me further if I can be of any additional assistance. Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy, Dr. Brown