The Changes in the Hair Cycle During Gestation and the Post-Partum Period

The study, conducted on 116 women, investigated the hair cycle changes during pregnancy and the post-partum period. It found that the anagen (growth) phase rate was significantly lower and the telogen (resting) phase rate was significantly higher in the fourth post-partum month compared to the sixth and ninth months of pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers had a higher mean anagen rate and a lower mean telogen rate than non-breastfeeding mothers in the fourth post-partum month, but no significant difference was observed in the first post-partum year. The study also noted the influence of prolactin on hair growth, with higher levels potentially contributing to post-partum telogen effluvium, and seasonal effects on hair growth and shedding. Overall, the study concluded that while there is an increase in the anagen rate during pregnancy and a rise in the telogen rate after delivery, the increase in hair shedding post-partum is not excessive for most women.