Is postpartum hair loss due to iron deficiency?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on December 03, 2024
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Postpartum hair loss is not largely related to iron deficiency. It is mainly due to significant hormonal changes in postpartum women. A drop in estrogen levels causes hair follicles to enter the shedding phase. Moreover, the mental stress associated with postpartum life, combined with the fatigue of caring for a baby, can exacerbate hair loss. The most severe period of hair loss occurs 3 to 4 months after delivery, and generally, by 6 to 12 months postpartum, the condition tends to improve and usually does not require special treatment. In daily life, it is beneficial to consume foods rich in protein and vitamins to help improve this condition. In cases of severe hair loss, medication can also be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What to do about hair loss due to insufficient Qi and blood?

When the body shows signs of insufficient qi and blood, accompanied by hair loss, it is necessary to timely tonify qi and nourish blood. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that hair is the surplus of blood, meaning that hair needs the nourishment of qi and blood to appear lustrous. At this time, it is necessary to timely tonify qi and nourish blood. Astragalus, Codonopsis, Angelica, and Goji berries stewed in pigeon soup can be used. Among them, Astragalus and Codonopsis can benefit qi and strengthen the spleen; Angelica and Goji berries can nourish yin and enrich blood; pigeon meat is rich in nutrients and is easy to digest and absorb. With consistent use over a period, it can replenish the body's insufficient qi and blood, thus reducing the occurrence of hair loss. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can anxiety-induced hair loss heal itself?

Hair loss caused by anxiety, if mild, generally only requires mood improvement for healing. Moreover, one must avoid staying up late, as frequently doing so can weaken one's constitution and aggravate the condition. Therefore, it is advisable to include foods like black sesame and walnuts in one’s diet, as they are beneficial for hair conditioning and can significantly improve the situation. Engaging in more physical exercises is also recommended, as it can effectively increase resistance and help alleviate symptoms.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What are the common causes of hair loss?

The most common cause of hair loss is generally related to genetic factors. For instance, if parents experience hair loss, their children are likely to encounter the same issue. Hair loss can also be associated with hormonal imbalances; an excessive secretion of male hormones can lead to hair loss. It is related to infection factors as well, such as infection with Malassezia bacteria on the scalp, which can cause erythema and papules on the head, and significant hair loss with dandruff. Psychological factors also play a significant role in hair loss. Excessive mental stress, anxiety, and poor sleep can lead to the release of stress-related substances by the body, causing the hair follicle growth cycle to shorten and leading to hair loss. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for a timely examination to identify the specific causes and undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance with appropriate medications.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How to nourish through diet for postpartum hair loss?

When experiencing postpartum hair loss, women should enhance their nutrition by consuming more iron-rich foods, such as soybeans, black beans, seafood, spinach, and red beans, all of which contain abundant iron. Iron deficiency after childbirth is also related to the occurrence of anemia. Additionally, consuming plenty of protein-rich foods is essential, particularly since the growth of hair needs the amino acid cysteine. Therefore, it's indispensable to supplement proteins. In everyday life, one can eat chicken, beef, eggs, milk, and soy products, which all are rich in high-quality plant proteins and are excellent choices. Moreover, it’s beneficial to eat a moderate amount of iodine-containing foods, such as kelp and seaweed.

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Written by Liu Yong
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Do people with kidney-deficiency hair loss need hair transplants?

People with severe hair loss or baldness can choose to have hair transplants based on their individual circumstances; they can either choose to have a hair transplant or not. Having a hair transplant can achieve aesthetic effects. After the transplant, new hair will grow, giving someone a revitalized overall appearance. Hair transplants involve taking hair follicles from the back of the head as the source, separating them into single units, obtaining multiple follicular units, and transferring them to the area that needs the transplant, enabling them to survive and grow, thus addressing the effect of hair thinning in certain areas.