In those with female-onset androgenetic alopecia (FAGA), this hormonal overstimulation can lead to a temporary improvement in hair density.
However, after childbirth, the abrupt drop in hormone levels causes a large number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase (telogen) simultaneously.
This phenomenon is known as postpartum telogen effluvium and manifests as more intense hair loss than usual.
Although this situation is physiological and reversible, it can become more pronounced in women with previous androgenetic alopecia, affecting the quality and quantity of hair in the long term.
Postpartum telogen effluvium is primarily due to the drop in estrogen, which leaves hair follicles without growth stimulation, causing massive hair loss in just a few months. Furthermore, the increase in prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast milk production, inhibits hair growth and prolongs the telogen phase. Added to this is the impact of stress, fatigue, and possible nutritional deficiencies, factors that can aggravate hair loss at this stage.
Although hair regrowth usually occurs spontaneously between 6 and 12 months after childbirth, in women with a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, this process may be slower or incomplete. Therefore, it is essential to know which hair treatments are safe during breastfeeding to prevent further hair loss without compromising the health of the baby.
For women who wish to maintain their hair treatment safely, there are safe and scientifically supported options. Low-dose topical and oral minoxidil is one of the leading alternatives for slowing hair loss and stimulating hair growth. Its systemic absorption is minimal, both topical and oral, making its passage into breast milk negligible and posing no risk to the baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers it compatible with breastfeeding, although it is recommended to wait a week after delivery before resuming breastfeeding to minimize the passage of substances into breast milk.
Another safe treatment is spironolactone, an antiandrogen used in women with signs of hyperandrogenism, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Although this substance is excreted in breast milk, the amounts are negligible, and no adverse effects have been reported in nursing infants.
In addition, nutricosmetics formulated specifically for pregnancy and breastfeeding can be a key tool in hair restoration.
Among the most effective and safe treatments during breastfeeding, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) stands out as an innovative and risk-free option.
This procedure involves extracting a small amount of blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate its platelets and growth factors, and applying it to the scalp through microinjections.
These factors stimulate the regeneration of hair follicles, improving hair thickness, reducing hair loss, and accelerating hair recovery.
PRP is an excellent alternative for breastfeeding women, as it does not involve the use of drugs or synthetic substances, making it completely safe for both mother and baby.
Furthermore, it has been shown to be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia and in recovery from postpartum telogen effluvium.
On the other hand, there are certain treatments that should be avoided during breastfeeding due to their potential adverse effects.
Drugs such as finasteride and dutasteride, 5α-reductase inhibitors, are contraindicated because they can affect the baby’s hormonal development.
Bicalutamide, another antiandrogen, should also be avoided during this stage due to its ability to pass into breast milk.
In general, any other antiandrogen without sufficient evidence of safety should be avoided until the end of breastfeeding.
If you have any doubts about which treatment is most appropriate, it is essential to consult with a trichology specialist. A professional can evaluate each case individually, identify possible nutritional deficiencies, and recommend a hair restoration plan that is safe for both mother and baby.
Postpartum hair loss can be a distressing process, but with the right treatment, it is possible to minimize its impact and promote a faster recovery.
While many women seek quick fixes for hair loss, the best way to maintain hair health without compromising breastfeeding is to opt for scientifically backed treatments.
If you notice that hair loss persists or worsens after the postpartum period, consulting a specialist will allow you to access a safe and effective treatment, ensuring that your hair regains its strength and density without risk
Literature
Gizlenti, S., & Ekmekci, T. R. (2014). The changes in the hair cycle during gestation and the post-partum period. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: JEADV, 28(7), 878–881. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.12188
González Ramos, M., & Saceda Corralo, D. (2024). Hair health in pregnancy and postpartum. More Dermatology, 48, 11–17. https://doi.org/10.5538/1887-5181.2024.48.11
Vañó-Galván, S., Fernandez-Crehuet, P., Garnacho, G., Gómez-Zubiaur, A., Hermosa-Gelbard, A., Moreno-Arrones, O. M., Saceda-Corralo, D., Serrano-Falcón, C., & Spanish Trichology Research Group. (2024). Recommendations on the clinical management of androgenetic alopecia: a consensus document of the Spanish Trichology Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas, 115(4), 347–355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ad.2023.10.013.
