Since I've stopped breast feeding, I've started losing my hair, why?

I had my second child almost six months ago and stopped breastfeeding when she was five months of age. I have been experiencing extensive hair loss since I stopped breast feeding. This also occurred after I stopped breast feeding my first child, but I didn't lose as much hair, or for as long. Is there any thing I can be doing to stop this? Is it hormones? Should I be concerned and make an appointment to see a doctor? And, if so, which type of doctor? OB/GYN? Thanks for any info!

Women often notice thicker hair during pregnancy. That's because routine hair loss is temporarily suspended. Normally our hair follicles are out of synch -- we lose some hairs (about 100 hairs a day!) and grow others simultaneously. But the high levels of estrogen and progesterone in pregnancy can increase the synchrony of hair growth, which in turn can lead to periods of growth or shedding. When hormone levels return to normal, usually three to six months after delivery, there is often a sudden loss of hair as a large number of growing hairs enter the dying phase.

Fortunately, this diffuse shedding of normal hairs resolves over time without any specific treatment. However, if you're losing clumps of hair, or notice patches or bald spots, ask your doctor for a referral to a general internist or a dermatologist. Hair loss can occur in a variety of situations. With a thorough evaluation, the cause can usually be determined and appropriate treatment started.

Labels: Breastfeeding tips, Pregnancy health