Postpartum hair loss is related to what?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 03, 2025
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Postpartum hair loss is related to changes in hormone levels in women after childbirth. After giving birth, the level of estrogen in the body decreases, causing the hair that was in the growth phase before childbirth to enter the resting phase, and it will begin to fall out after a certain period. Generally, hair loss starts three to five months postpartum and gradually becomes a concern. Additionally, psychological factors can also cause hair loss. For example, mothers may experience mental stress and constant worry, which can affect the quality or quantity of hair. Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to insufficient nourishment for the hair, causing hair loss.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Postpartum hair loss should be seen by which department?

Postpartum hair loss is a condition that can be treated by consulting a dermatologist or an internist at a hospital. Hair loss after childbirth is a relatively normal phenomenon, mostly due to changes in endocrine hormones that occur postpartum. Additionally, postpartum fatigue, emotional stress, mental pressure, poor sleep, and malnutrition can exacerbate hair loss. Therefore, it is important to rest adequately after childbirth, ensure sufficient sleep, enhance nutrition, consume protein-rich foods, maintain a calm mindset, and avoid undue stress. Also, moderate exercise and using gentle shampoos during hair washing can help alleviate hair loss.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does postpartum hair loss require calcium supplementation?

Postpartum hair loss is a normal physiological phenomenon caused by changes in hormone levels in the body. Postpartum hair loss is also related to calcium deficiency, so calcium supplementation is possible. However, calcium deficiency is not the main cause of postpartum hair loss. The main reason is the decrease in estrogen levels in the body, which causes the hair follicles to enter a shedding state from a resting state. At this time, it is important to enhance nutrition, eat more foods rich in protein and vitamins, and ensure adequate sleep to regulate the body's immunity. Once the body is well-regulated, such hair loss will generally recover naturally.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is postpartum hair loss related to breastfeeding?

Postpartum hair loss is a normal physiological phenomenon and is unrelated to breastfeeding. It is mainly due to psychological factors, lifestyle, and physiological changes after childbirth. During pregnancy, the level of hormones in the body, particularly estrogen, is relatively high, which can make the scalp the healthiest it has been in one's life. However, after the birth of the child, estrogen levels decrease. This imbalance leads to the shrinking of the skin's hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. In treatment, dietary adjustments are primarily used, such as consuming more protein-rich foods like eggs, milk, walnuts, black rice, and sunflower seeds. Additionally, it is important to have a balanced diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, ensure adequate sleep, and maintain a relaxed mood. Managing these aspects of daily life can also help alleviate hair loss.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Hair loss and night sweats, what is going on?

Hair loss and night sweats are mostly considered to be caused by excessive dampness in the body or insufficient kidney qi, among other reasons. For such conditions, timely adjustment is essential. If the issue is dampness, it is beneficial to consume more Chinese yam, barley, adzuki beans, and red beans regularly to help expel the internal moisture; if the issue is insufficient kidney qi, timely treatment is necessary, as severe cases can lead to physical weakness and even symptoms of collapse. Effective improvement can be achieved through medication, and the diet can be supplemented with foods like goji berries and donkey-hide gelatin to help regulate the condition.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can postpartum hair loss be recovered?

Postpartum hair loss generally recovers over time. Many young women experience more hair loss after childbirth compared to usual, making the hair appear sparser. This is due to the influence of hormones during pregnancy, which causes many hair follicles to enter a resting phase. After this resting phase, hair loss occurs. This condition is usually more noticeable within six months after childbirth and tends to gradually return to normal from six months to a year postpartum, with most women experiencing a recovery. In daily life, it's important to rest, enhance nutrition, eat fresh vegetables and protein-rich foods, and improve overall immunity. It is also important to check for and correct any anemia.