How to treat hair loss during lactation

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 25, 2025
00:00
00:00

Hair loss during breastfeeding is a normal physiological phenomenon. It is caused by hormonal changes in the body during and after pregnancy, especially the decrease in estrogen levels. The amount of hair loss is generally not significant, so there is no need for deliberate treatment. It usually recovers gradually within about a year. However, it is also important to ensure adequate rest in daily life, ensure sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late, enhance nutrition, and intake vitamins or consume fresh vegetables and fruits to maintain emotional stability. It is not recommended to treat this condition with medication.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
41sec home-news-image

Is postpartum hair loss due to kidney deficiency?

Postpartum hair loss is not due to kidney deficiency, but because during childbirth, the level of hormones in a woman's body decreases. During pregnancy, the hormone levels are higher, which slows down the metabolism of the hair, and extends the lifespan of the hair, thus reducing hair loss. After childbirth, due to the decrease in estrogen levels, hair loss occurs. It is more than during pregnancy, but not too severe. Hair loss is also related to insufficient nutrition and lack of sleep after childbirth. It is recommended to ensure adequate sleep and enhance nutritional intake after giving birth.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
1min 3sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
43sec home-news-image

Can people with kidney deficiency type hair loss not drink milk?

People with kidney deficiency type hair loss can drink milk because milk also helps with calcium supplementation, which can effectively increase the body's resistance and enhance some bodily functions. However, it is necessary to consume it in moderation, as excessive intake could lead to digestive issues in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, careful attention is required. Additionally, in daily meals, it's advisable to eat more foods that help nourish the kidney, such as goji berries and donkey-hide gelatin, which can effectively replenish kidney deficiency and lead to improvements. It is crucial to also focus on strengthening physical exercises regularly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
53sec home-news-image

Is postpartum hair loss due to iron deficiency?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
36sec home-news-image

Can poor kidney function cause hair loss?

Poor kidney function is actually not significantly related to hair loss. Even in severe cases of kidney failure or patients with uremia, most still retain their hair. Not all patients with uremia experience hair loss. Thus, there is not much of a connection between kidney function and hair growth. If a patient is experiencing hair loss, it could be due to issues with the skin or scalp itself, such as male pattern baldness which is related to an excess of androgens in the hair follicles, or factors like allergies or fungal infections could also cause hair loss.