Hair Fall During IVF Treatment: Causes, Prevention, and Recovery

Does IVF Cause Hair Fall?

IVF does not directly result in permanent hair loss; the effects of fertility medication may cause temporary hair shedding. Fertility medications like gonadotropins stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs, which disturbs the hormonal balance and influences the hair growth cycle. Fertility specialists usually consider the hair loss during the IVF cycle as a temporary effect known as Telogen Effluvium after IVF. However, in this case, the hair follicles are healthy enough to recover once the IVF treatment has been completed, causing the hair to start growing again.

What Causes Hair Fall During IVF Treatment?

There could be many reasons why people experience hair fall during IVF treatment. During IVF treatment, hormone levels may increase or decrease. If hormones are not regulated, hair follicles may not function properly, causing hormonal hair loss due to an increase in hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone.

• High stress during IVF treatment increases the levels of cortisol and may affect the hair cycle.
• Sometimes women undergoing IVF may experience a decrease in appetite and a restrictive diet, which leads to a lack of the necessary nutrients for normal hair growth.
• Some women may suffer from thyroid problems, and it might lead them to experience hair loss after starting the IVF treatment for a fertility problem. Thyroid hormonal problems could lead to hair loss.
• The most common reason for hair loss after IVF is the condition called telogen effluvium. Rather than growing normally, many hair follicles go dormant and shed their hair about two to six months after starting the treatment.

Women may wonder if IVF medications and hair loss are related. However, there is no evidence that these medications can harm hair follicles. It is often temporary and will improve if you follow the right diet and lifestyle advice.

When Does Hair Fall Usually Start During IVF?

The process of hair loss varies for different individuals, as hormones have their own different reactions.

• Ovarian Stimulation: To stimulate ovulation, patients receive hormone injections every day so that more than one follicle matures. During this time, oestrogen levels increase and hormone imbalance starts affecting hair follicles. Most patients do not notice significant hair loss and experience minor thinning of the hair. Typically, it takes a few weeks for hair loss to be recognised.
• Embryo Transfer: Following the embryo transfer procedure, a physician usually prescribes progesterone supplements to promote implantation. Some women are required to take hormones for a few weeks. During this period, hormone levels remain high, women may experience stress, and hair follicles enter the resting phase. When referring to the hair loss pace, it actually begins many weeks after the embryo is transferred.
• During the Early Stages of Pregnancy or a Failed Cycle of IVF: If you achieve pregnancy, hormone levels keep changing. Most women actually have an increase in hair volume during pregnancy due to prolonged hair growth. But hair loss is normal after delivery. In case IVF fails, hormone levels drop considerably, and emotional stress increases. Hair loss after IVF becomes visible two to three months later due to telogen effluvium.

How to Prevent Hair Fall During IVF Treatment?

• Eating a variety of healthy foods can help keep hair follicles healthy during this fertility treatment. Include fresh fruits, lean protein, vegetables, whole grain cereals, dairy products, and healthy fats.
• Keep Stress Under Control. There are different techniques to reduce stress that help maintain the body's proper condition.
• It is important to keep the hair healthy by avoiding hair procedures and methods such as chemical straightening, using a dryer, bleaching, and excessive heat exposure.
• Drinking a lot of water is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good health and a healthy scalp.
• Start healing your fertility issues only under the guidance of a doctor and follow the doctor’s instructions.

Foods That Support Healthy Hair During IVF

Proper nutrition is essential to keep hair healthy during infertility management.

• Hair consists of keratin, a protein present in hair and other tissues and body parts. Eat protein-rich foods such as beans, tofu, eggs, Greek yoghurt, chicken, lentils, chickpeas, and fish. Protein plays an important role in hair growth.
• Iron deficiency is among the most important reasons behind hair thinning and related issues. Some examples of iron-containing foods include spinach, lean red meat, lentils, kidney beans, and pumpkin seeds.
• Zinc is another important nutrient required for healthy hair growth. Biotin also promotes hair growth. Biotin-rich foods include eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms.
• Healthy fats enrich the scalp and are good for hair. You should eat: Salmon, Sardines, Walnuts, Chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Omega-3 also contributes to overall reproductive health.
• Certain vitamins are vital for healthy hair. Important vitamins include: Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, and Folate.

When Should You Be Concerned About Hair Loss?

Normal shedding happens now and then. You must consider consulting with your doctor if you observe the following signs:

• Sudden shedding of big spots of your hair
• Prolonged hair shedding (more than half a year)
• Severe itching of the scalp
• Hair grows in patches instead of falling out, and shedding occurs with other symptoms like tiredness or sudden weight loss.

All these could also indicate other health issues, like thyroid problems, iron deficiency, autoimmune problems, or infections.

Treatment Options For Hair Fall During IVF

• Doctors prescribe blood tests to identify nutritional deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folic acid. If any deficiency is detected, doctors may prescribe supplements to correct them.
• Reducing emotional stress may prevent ongoing hair loss. Counselling may help in case of fertility treatment. 
• Conditions like thyroid disorders and anaemia should be treated on time.
• Many people are concerned about the safety of topical drugs in the process of IVF. Due to the limited information about safety in conception and pregnancy, most specialists recommend against using the drugs for hair growth unless prescribed by fertility or dermatology specialists.

Will Hair Grow Back After IVF?

Hair restoration following IVF is common. This happens because the hair follicles remain viable, so new hair growth gradually replaces the hair being lost. The normal timeline for recovery includes the following:

Maximum hair loss occurs in about 2 to 4 months after the trigger. Hair growth starts after about 3 to 6 months. The hair becomes dense normally after about 6 to 12 months. Patience is important because hair grows slowly by 1 to 1.5 cm monthly.

When Should You Consult Your Fertility Specialist?

Reach out to your fertility specialist in case:

• You’re experiencing rapid hair loss.
• You think it might be linked with medications.
• You want to start taking anything other than vitamins.
• You are planning to buy hair growth products.
• You’re losing hair together with an abnormal menstrual cycle, thyroid symptoms, or constantly feeling tired.
• Your doctor will see if it is necessary to consult with a dermatologist or endocrinologist to identify the source of the problem.

Conclusion

Some people may worry if they are experiencing hair fall during IVF treatment, but in reality, it is usually not something of concern because it is temporary and does not mean that their fertility treatment is not working. There are multiple reasons behind hair loss while going through IVF treatment. Usually, Telogen effluvium after IVF is a cause of hair loss, which is temporary and related to changes in the hair growth cycle. Following a healthy and balanced diet, managing anxiety, and taking care of the hair can help keep it healthy. It is better to consult a doctor if the hair loss is alarming enough to be accompanied by some other health problems.