DOC NOTES
Hair loss during pregnancy: an alarming phenomenon?
During pregnancy, hormonal changes significantly affect the hair della futura mamma. For some women, it's 9 months of thick, shiny hair; for others, however, being pregnant leads to thinning and falling hair. Is there cause for concern?
No panic: here are the causes of weakening hair and how to intervene!
How does hair change during pregnancy?
During the "sweet expectation" period, hair can look more beautiful and shiny, sometimes even thicker.
The cause? The exponential increase, during the pregnancy period, of estrogen levels. These female hormones are in fact able to positively influence the life cycle of the hair: they go a long way toward limiting the normal, physiological hair loss, prolonging the stay in the growth (anagen) phase.
In some cases, however, the opposite phenomenon occurs. The hormonal storm causes the weakening of the hair, increased dryness and irritability of the skin, and consequent hair loss.
This situation is not unusual; it is a temporary condition and as such, reversible and its effect can be curbed.
Why do we lose hair during pregnancy?
Various factors can cause hair loss during this period.
● Hormonal changes: particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy.
● Deficiency of vitamins, iron, protein, minerals, or trace elements: pregnancy is a time when the body needs more nutrition. In addition, the serious nausea gravidarum observed in the early months can increase these deficiencies.
● Diseases such as diabetes, fungal infections, hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, and antidepressant medications.
● Genetic factors and family history of alopecia.
● Suspension of the birth control pill or other contraceptive methods.
Tips to strengthen hair in pregnancy and prevent hair loss
For pregnant women who want to prevent weakening of the hair or who complain of dry, brittle, and dull hair, we recommend:
- take natural supplements with proven efficacy on a regular basis, such as the famous Nutricum Tricostrong, scientifically tested by the University Federico II of Naples;
- massage the scalp daily, 5 to 10 minutes to stimulate circulation;
- avoid dyes that, in addition to weakening the hair, can be toxic for mother and baby;
- adopt a healthy and balanced diet, which is essential not only for the well-being of the hair but also for the well-being of the baby;
- use a gentle, nonaggressive shampoo specially formulated for dry, brittle, and/or damaged hair, such as Stanartis' Tricostrong® shampoo designed by medical doctor Salvatore Artiano. Thanks to the special molecule Tricofactor Growth CPX® and the synergistic action of its natural ingredients, it prevents the process of weakening and hair loss;
- use hair conditioner only if really necessary;;
- don't comb wet hair, or over-frizz it; avoid using the hot mode of the hair dryer and styling with a flat iron.
With these tricks, you will stimulate new hair growth and decrease hair loss.
If hair loss remains high, however--above about 100 hairs lost per day--we advise you to seek medical advice.
