Hormonal Changes*

We're first introduced to them in our teenage years. They make their presence known later as a foundation to childbirth and later to menopause. Our hormones are the building block of womanhood, and with all they have to do it's no wonder they create challenges for us.

Pregnancy can be one of the most joyous events in a woman's life, but it may also mean unexpected changes in skin, hair and nails. Commonly known as "the pregnancy mask," melasma darkens the cheeks, forehead or chin of 70 percent of women. Hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin especially on nipples and abdomen, occurs in 90 percent of women. Some women notice brittleness in their nails.

Women have also reported loss of hair in the months following delivery. During pregnancy, hormones prevent the normal loss of 50-100 hairs per day. In the months following delivery, hair may shed at an alarming rate, however physicians indicate this shedding is equivalent to the hair that would have been shed had pregnancy hormones not interfered with the process.

Changes in estrogen levels may affect hair loss as well. Especially around the time of menopause, when many women experience a drop in estrogen and an increase in testosterone production, women may notice they are starting to bald. Given the overall nature of hair-loss, it's always best to see your doctor if you're concerned that your hormone-based hair-loss may not be normal.

*Medical information provided is based on reference from the WebMD Health website (www.webmd.com). It is not meant to replace the diagnosis of a qualified physician, and further research of any information provided is encouraged.

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