My Hair Is Falling Out - El Cajon,CA

Updated on October 26, 2009
S.M. asks from San Diego, CA
39 answers

Hello,
When I was pregnant instead of having the great hair experience mine fell out and I got a bald spot. After my daughter was born my hair started growing back. Now my baby is 5 months old and it's starting to fall out even worse then before! I am nursing but I take prenatal vitamins, calcium and fish oil and I am eating as much as my husband (and he has got a big appetite)! I don't know what to do- I can never wear my hair in any way other than a pony tail and it looks AWFUL- very dry. I am using a really moisturizing shampoo/conditioner that I have used for a long time from Aveda. Help!

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V.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

get homeopathic remedy called Lachesis 30C. Whole Foods has it. take on empty stomach every day for a week. keep away from heat, light and strong selling substances. if this is not the remedy to help, don't despair. this advice is shot in the dark. better remedy selection can be made by professional homeopath. to find a good one go here:
http://www.homeopathy.org/directory.html
Good Luck!
V.

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K.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

My son is six months old, and my hair was falling out up until two weeks ago. Nioxin shampoo really helped. I ordered it on Amazon. From what I've read it should stop around six months...and you should see some regrowth after that. Hope this helps!

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C.D.

answers from San Diego on

S.,

One person mentioned this but gave you the wrong spelling.
The shampoo system is called Ovation. It's specifically for hair regrowth, and longer and stronger hair. The website is
www.ovationhair.com I just bought it at the fair and have only used it twice so I don't know yet if it's tried and true, but they do offer a money back guarantee for up to a year. I do like the way it make my hair feel.

C.

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L.T.

answers from Reno on

Hormones can do crazy things to our bodies both during and after pregnancy, but as in my case, I ended up with thyroid problems after the birth of both of my children. Look online for symptoms of hyper or hypo thyroidism. If any of the other symptoms check out, call your doctor and schedule a thyroid panel. If none of the symptoms fit your situation it is probably just hormones. It never hurts to mention it to your doctor though. Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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F.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am a hairdresser. Make sure you have enough protein in your diet(red meat). Get your thyroid checked and estrogen levels. Switch your shampoo, Aveda is very drying. Try Schwarzkopf repair shampoo and conditioner. Go to a good edocronologist that specializes in womens health. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

S.,

Have you talked to your OBGYN? Or thought about seeing a dermatoligist? A co-worker of mine got a referral to see one with a similar issue after birth.

Just a thought. Good luck and congrats on your baby!

1 mom found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from San Diego on

To me this sounds like a potentially serious medical problem, and you should see your doctor, soon. The hard part, of course, is going to be getting past the instant "new mum, my hair is falling out" brush-off.

It could be something as simple as a bad reaction to your prenatal vitamins (like another mum, mine also caused my hair to fall out but the migraines they caused, were the tipoff that something was wrong...low and behold...as soon as I stopped taking them (a couple months in to being pregnant) my headaches vanished and my hair started doing the pregnant-chick thing. I switched to several flintstones taken throughout the day, but these days I try to get most of my vit/mins from food sources.

Anyhow; so it could be your vitamin. It could be an allergic reaction to something else. It could be your thyroid. It could be certain kinds of cancer. It could be that you're in contact with certain heavy metals and don't know it. It could be a deficiency in your diet, or an inability to digest certain nutrients that you were able to before. Oy. You see where this is going. Could be, could be, could be...

Your doc will be able to run tests to figure what the heck is going on. You COULD try stopping the prenatals for a couple weeks, but if you can go in for your bloodwork and such BEFORE doing that (aka as you are now), it's usually better.

Good Luck

1 mom found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi S.,

You are almost guaranteed to have hair problems with the things you are doing!

First of all, you need to cut back on the fish oil if it contains Vitamin A. Too much Vit A can cause your hair to fall out. Secondly, you need to stop wearing your hair in a ponytail. The pin or clip or band or whatever you are using to tie it back is not helping your hair -- it restricts nourishment from getting to the ends. Third, please switch shampoos- even if you like a shampoo, you need to change it once in a while. Sounds like you are not getting enough fluids, either. If you are nursing, you need to drink fluids the minute you feel thirsty.

Good luck with your little one- mine were worth every bald spot!!!But my hair grew back when I stopped the megadoses of

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K.M.

answers from San Diego on

I have heard of preg women losing their hair. My assistant told me thats how she knew she was pregnant the 2nd time because her hair fel out!

I have thin hair and it fell out in bunches, my brush was full of hair for about 10+ months (3 months after giving birth). Totally normal but sad when you have thin hair to begin with! My nutritionist recommended iodine drops (whatever the bottle recommended as daily amt) and vitamin d.

Do check with your Dr if you are nursing - I started this after weaning and it really seemed to work pretty quickly. My hair had been falling out for about 6 months when I started this.

Good luck!

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L.H.

answers from Honolulu on

You might want to switch shampoo. I switch shampoo every three to four months. My husband went through that same problem. He checked in to the hospital physician about his hair falling out and I meant from the root! The physician told him it was part of growing old!...I went off on the physician telling him if it's the best he could do. I then told my husband to switch shampoo after I found out he has been using the same shampoo for a while. I don't know but somehow his hair stopped falling and now new hair grew! :). I also told him to switched the vitamin supplement he was taking and everything turned out just fine since. Try it out. Switch shampoo and the supplements you are taking. What may work for some may not work for others...

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F.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi S.,

Have your thyroid checked out by an endocrinologist. It could simply be a thyroid imbalance or what I was having, thyroid storms, very life threatening.

Good Luck,
F.

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S.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sorry if this is a repeat--didn't read other comments, but I think you should definately have your thyroid checked.

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T.B.

answers from Visalia on

Did anything upset you before you started losing your hair?

When that happened to me my brother died and my hair started falling out. It has never been the same. When I got pregnant with my first daughter shortly thereafter it got thick again, but I lost it again after that---but I went through an abusive marriage and divorce. Then my hair stayed medium but progressively went thin, especially when my mother died.
My hair has never come back all the way at any time. But I pay attention, like you now, and by the way the hair products hardly make a difference---that's a market. Dont blow dry your hair, dont use rubber bands, braid it, dont use curling irons or straightners, get a cut that falls just right for your face frame and hair texture that you dont have to work with it much. Get a proffessional cosmotologist that can do this for you. Dont wrap a towel and flip it up around on top of your head to dry your hair. Just softly squeeze hair with towel and fluff and scrunch with hands. Rinse clorine out of your hair if you swim. Dont wash your hair every day, just one day and skip one. All these things have helped my hair to come back healthier, alot. But nothing has ever helped it grow like it was. But I tell you, it's much better.

Good luck,

Wendy

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D.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hey S.

I had the same problem after my 3 child.... I went to the doctor... turned out I had a thyroid issue... It's called a Hypothroid (a sluggish thyroid gland) happens when you have given birth and nursing...(there are other reasons as well) Your hormones get off balance. You should check with your doctor... There is medication to help regulate. I'll be praying for you and believing all will be well. I completly understand. my hair has grown back and getting thicker again.

D.

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J.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Get your thyroid checked. The same thing happened to me after having my first child and when he was 7 months old I had a physical. My doctor said my thyroid levels were way off. Developing a thyroid condition is very common after child birth. As for the hair loss my husband uses the Nioxin products and it actually works. Good luck!

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J.M.

answers from Reno on

I would talk to your doctor but in the meean time, try to increase your protein. I know when I wasn't getting enough protein my hair started to fall out and thin. Hope that helps.

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C.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

It is normal for your hair to fall out at this point for a few months- fun stuff. It will stop and things will go back :)

C., mother of 3, sleep consultant, sleep blog writer www.lullabyluna.com

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J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello,
my hair fall out after giving birth about 4 month and lasted for few month.Then returned to normal. I think you should not worry to much now and wait for few month. And only then see a doctor.

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

S.,
I feel your pain. Take Biotin (5mg) along with your daily prenatal. You should see a difference after about 2 weeks. You can find it at most health food stores as well as some supermarkets. It worked wonders for me. Getting your thyroid checked would also be a good idea. It's a simple blood test.

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A.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

I don't know much about this, but I have heard that when you're pregnant it can deplete your body of omega oils. I think fish oils might just be one of the omega oils, though I could be wrong. Did you talk to a holistic doctor or at least a knowledgeable sales person at a whole foods store to be sure you're taking the right kind of oil supplements, and enough of them? However, I wonder if something is preventing you from absorbing your supplements (all of them, including those in your food). I would suggest visiting a holistic or naturapathic doctor. I know some good ones in Santa Monica, if you want a referral. They are not cheap, but they can get to the root of what is really going on and correct it.

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B.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

my best friend is in cosmetology school and the same thing happened to one of her other best friends after giving birth to a beautiful little girl last year. shoot her an email at ____@____.com with subject hair falling out. there is a special treatment i know she recommended that worked. her name is shae. she is very good.

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C.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

You need to see a dermatologist. My daughter had the same problem, although she wasn't pregnant nor had she had a child. She came to find out through blood tests through her regular doctor that she had high thyroid readings. I would recommend that you do not try to fix this on your own. This sounds serious and you need to see a doctor. Good luck!

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N.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

NAET.com - Most of the problems we have are allergy and or deficiency related.

Be well.

N.

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S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi
I recommend getting your thyroid checked. Pregnancy can mess with it a little. Symptoms include dry skin and hair, hair falling out, fatigue, weight gain etc
Good luck

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T.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

S., the same thing happened to me when my first was born. Two huge bald spots on the sides of my head. I was the famous ponytail wearer as well. It will come back! By her first birthday my hair was growing back. It doesnt matter what you eat or what kind of shampoo you use. Its your hormones from the pregnancy. Try not to stress out about it because the stress will make it worse. Good rule of thumb, you are pregnant for 9 months. give your body 9 months to get back to normal. Well almost normal :)Hope this helps.

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H.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try to relax. The same thing happened to me and when I got my period back and my cycle regulated, everything grew back and was fine again. It's the hormones.

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I.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

Have you talked with your doctor about it?? My hair fell out too and when I spoke with mine he said that our hair is on about a 4 month cycle and that it does in fact fall out. However, it sounds like it concerns you so I would suggest talking with your doctor about it. Our bodies sure do go through a lot when having babies...doesn't it?? Hang in there.

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B.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree about getting your thyroid checked. The symptoms you describe are all symptoms of low thyroid which is incredibly common after pregnancy.

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K.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I lost hair when I was pregant too, but I didn't experience the continued loss you're describing. You may have a nutritient deficiency (even eating healthy conventional foods may not supply your body with all the nutrients you need due to the deprivation of nutrients in our soil due to farming practices). As a nutritional cleanse coach, I teach people how to cleanse and refuel their bodies with what I call an "anti-fad diet" approach to health and weight management. We live in a very toxic world and unless you live in a bubble, your body may also be suffering the detrimental effects of dangerous toxicity. Cleansing at the cellular level and providing the body what it needs for internal balance is essential to good health.

Please contact me if you would like additional information. I may have a program that will help you with the issue you're experiencing.

____@____.com

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E.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am not sure about the hair falling out, but I do know if you have used the same shampoo/conditioner for awhile you should try a different brand just for about 2 weeks to help shock your hair. Good luck

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J.M.

answers from Buffalo on

maybe you are not taking care of it . shapoo it two times a week and wait and see if its better

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A.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

My hair fell out after baby also. My stylist suggested using the Nioxin products which are specifically for that situation. The products actually helped. I did not do the oral nutrients, though. I was breastfeeding and did not want to add anything else in...just in case. I just used the shampoo and conditioner. Good luck!

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L.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Have you ever had your thyroid checked? I know someone that lost hair due to that.

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D.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Could be stress related...also try a purifier on your shower nozzle. Works wonders! The chlorine in our water is awful especially for hair!

Blessings,
Deb

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N.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Have you had your thyroid tested? This could be the problem.

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L.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

What I can tell u is that I am a first time mom who's hair did not fall out when I was pregnat, but about 3-4 mos after my child was born, it shed a whole lot and completely came out around the edges. After I freaked out about it, I was told that this was actually normal, there are a few articles on the internet that talk about it, I can't remember right now, Sorry, but after my own investigation, I went to Whole Foods (a health food store here in california) and u must make sure u take your prenatals regulary (I had stopped because I figured, hey I had the baby already--mistake)and a lot of women use a conditioner or shampoo w/biotin in it. -- I hope to give u comfort in that my hair is growing back as we speak and it is not as thick as it used to be, but it is starting to thicken back up as well--hope this helps (p.s. u may also want to try another source of prenatals as some are shown to be better than others (meaning easier for your body to absorb)

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L.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

My daughter is 1 year old and I am still losing a lot of hair, BUT there is new growth that is about 2 inches long. (So I have long hair with all this hair that sticks straight up, how fun is that?). What I recommend you do is to go get your hormones tested. You may have excessive testosterone or other diminished hormones, maybe thyroid. You have to ask for this test as it is not a part of the normal physical. It takes a body a while to get back to normal, but yours may need a little help.

I don't know how long your hair is, but at night I always braid my hair (I just split it in 3 at the crown and braid down.) It helps keep it from getting tugged. Also, if you can, get a couple of those 1 inch hair clips and put your hair in a bun instead of a pony tail. Just twist the un-rubber banded hair and keep going until you can twirl it into a bun. The constant pony tail puts strain on the hair at the crown. The bun distributes the pull better.

L.

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J.L.

answers from San Diego on

Good Morning S., My hair started falling out after being in the hospital, my husband wen on line and did some research and he ordered me a product called Ovassions, it's a shampime.oo, crean rinse and cell theorpy, it has work wonders for me, I have new hair growthm I'm not afraid to comb and brush my hair anymore, the cell theoraphy you can leave in over night, I leave it on until my next hair washing. prenatal vitaments don't always give you that beautiful head of hear, I have a daycare mom who is only 19 she has a 4 month old baby, and is 2 months pregnant, her hair is falling out big time. Ovations smells good too. J. L.

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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sounds like your prenatal vitamins are deficient... and if you get them through your doctor or at a pharmacy I KNOW they are. After about 4 months I switched back to my regular vitamin and my hair stopped falling out. I'm a nutritional consultant and would be happy to speak with you... check out my website and let me know if you would like a consultation.
www.HolisticWellnessAndNutrition.webs.com

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