Ace the Illinois Cosmetology Exam 2025 – Glam Up and Shine Bright!

The hormone that is known to affect hair growth in women after pregnancy is progesterone. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the levels of various hormones, including progesterone. This hormone plays a significant role in maintaining pregnancy and preparing the body for childbirth. After delivery, progesterone levels drop drastically, which can lead to changes in hair growth patterns.

Many women experience hair loss or shedding postpartum, commonly referred to as postpartum hair loss, which is directly influenced by these hormonal changes. As progesterone decreases, the hair that was kept in the growth phase during pregnancy may enter the shedding phase, resulting in noticeable hair thinning for some women.

While estrogen also plays a role in hair growth during pregnancy, the specific impact on hair shedding and growth patterns occurs after the levels drop postpartum. Testosterone and oxytocin do not have a direct influence on the patterns of hair growth or shedding in the same way progesterone does in this context.