How to treat hair loss during lactation

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

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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Postpartum hair loss starts from when?

Postpartum hair loss generally occurs around two to three months after childbirth and usually stops on its own within six months, typically not lasting longer than one year. Postpartum hair loss is actually a resting state of the scalp for the mother, and is a physiological phenomenon. There are various reasons for postpartum hair loss, such as insufficient sleep during pregnancy, significant blood loss and anemia during childbirth, and inadequate nutrition during pregnancy. Additionally, hormonal changes during the postpartum period and breastfeeding can also cause hair loss. It is important not to be overly anxious about postpartum hair loss. Paying attention to nutrition and ensuring adequate sleep can help alleviate the condition on its own.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Postpartum hair loss is related to what?

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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Is postpartum hair loss due to calcium deficiency?

Postpartum hair loss is not largely related to calcium deficiency. The main cause of postpartum hair loss is the rapid decline in estrogen levels in women after giving birth. Normal hair loss involves hairs that are in the catagen (transition) and telogen (resting) phases. Since the hair entering the catagen phase and those entering the growth phase are in a dynamic balance, it is possible to maintain a normal amount of hair. Pathological hair loss is caused by abnormal stimuli, such as high mental stress and hormonal imbalances. When experiencing postpartum hair loss, there is no need to be overly anxious. Generally, this condition gradually improves six months after childbirth. It's important to develop good daily habits, ensure adequate rest, maintain a pleasant mood, and strengthen nutrition.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Why does kidney qi deficiency cause hair loss?

Hair loss caused by insufficient kidney qi is mostly due to poor digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, which means nutrients cannot keep up, leading to hair loss. To address kidney qi deficiency, you can consume foods like dates, brown sugar, adzuki beans, Chinese yam, and coix seed in your regular diet. These can effectively help replenish kidney qi and improve symptoms. Additionally, consuming more leeks, spring onions, or taking medication that supplements kidney qi can effectively treat the condition. It is also important to rest more, avoid frequent masturbation, and not engage in excessive sexual activity to avoid aggravating the condition. Most importantly, avoid staying up late.