Temporary hair loss can be caused by:

Child Birth
Pregnancy Termination
Starting or Stopping Birth Control Pills
Dieting
Medical Therapy and Medications
Severe Emotional Stress

Hair loss after Child Birth

It is quite common for some women to experience some hair loss approximately 3 months after childbirth. This hair loss is triggered by the sudden changes in hormone levels.

Some statistics suggest a 20% of mothers lose hair during childbirth and others suggest a figure closer to 45%. Fortunately in most cases the hair will return to normal 9-12 month after the child’s birth.

Many woman notice that their hair is thicker and healthier during pregnancy, this is due to the increased levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone which cause more hairs than normal to remain in the growth phase. When the child is born however many of the hair follicles that had delayed entering the resting phase suddenly enter the resting phase due to the rapid drop in hormone levels. As a result of this these hairs are then shed about 3 months after the birth.

Hair loss resulting from Pregnancy Termination’s

Similar to the way in which sudden hair loss can occur after childbirth sudden hair loss can also occur after and abortion or miscarriage which the hair loss is triggered by sudden changes in hormone levels. Hair that has remained in the growth phase due to increased hormone levels will suddenly enter the resting phase and will be shed approximately 3 months after the event.

Hair loss resulting form taking the Birth Control Pill

Birth control pills affect the hormone levels within the body and these hormone levels can affect hair growth. In some cases hair thinning may occur due to the male hormones present in some types of contraceptive pills. This type of hair loss is similar to pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia. However discontinuation of The Pill can result in hair loss similar to that which occurs after child birth due to the drop in hormone levels.

Surgery

The shock involved in a major operation can result in sudden hair loss. Also after micrograft and minigraft surgery where follicles are transplanted on the scalp Telogen Effluvium almost always occurs. Due to the shock of surgery the hair follicles will fall out within about 3 months after which time new hairs will grow from the transplanted follicles.

Prescribed Drugs that can cause hair loss

Some drugs have been reported as causing hair loss in some individuals. While not everyone will experience hair loss some drugs are more likely to cause hair loss than others. If you suspect that prescription drugs that you are taking are causing hair loss you should discuss this with your doctor.

Hair loss caused by severe emotional stress

Some people experience Telogen Effluvium or sudden diffuse hair loss after a traumatic event such as the death of a family member or someone close, an accident, abuse or any other severely traumatic event. These events may trigger hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely in which case an increase in the amount of hair shed will be noticed about 3 months after the event. Hair loss is usually temporary, and in most cases hair will grow back normally soon after it has fallen out. However in some cases where diffuse and sudden hair loss occurs, the hair loss may continue until the underlying cause is treated. Types of sudden diffuse hair loss that continues until the cause is treated are as follows:

Thyroid Gland Malfunction
Diabetes
Anemia
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis

Hair loss that is cause by the above underlying causes will usually continue until the underlying cause is treated.

There are a few things that may help to encourage hair growth which are safe and relatively inexpensive. A daily multivitamin is important. During times of illness and medical treatment, nutrition may also be poor. A multivitamin and good nutrition encourage hair growth. In addition to a daily multivitamin, Biotin is another vitamin that encourages healthy hair and nail growth. Most multivitamins do not have even the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Biotin, so an additional Biotin supplement is required. Minoxidil or Rogaine helps encourage hair growth by keeping hairs in the anagen phase longer. However, this is a long term commitment requiring twice daily use applied to the scalp. Also, don’t forget sunscreen or a hat for the scalp with thin hair. This area has been protected most of one’s life and is very susceptible to sunburn and damage.