Is postpartum hair loss related to breastfeeding?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on November 24, 2024
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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 Liu Yong
Traditional Chinese Medicine
30sec home-news-image

Can hair follicles recover from kidney deficiency type hair loss?

The main cause of hair loss due to kidney deficiency is the weakness of the kidneys. We can prevent hair loss by conditioning the kidneys. Kidney deficiency does not cause the death of hair follicles; treating kidney deficiency can improve the condition of hair loss. When hair loss due to kidney deficiency occurs, it should be treated early. Traditional Chinese medicine methods can be used for treatment. Keeping the hair clean and ensuring the hygiene of the hair follicles can help prevent hair loss.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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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.

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Written by Liu Yong
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can kidney deficiency hair loss be treated by simply nourishing the kidneys?

Kidney deficiency type hair loss is caused by kidney deficiency and a shortage of kidney essence, leading to hair loss. It can also be caused by excessive physical exhaustion, mental stress, and a deficiency of trace elements within the body. Diet adjustments can be made to address this, such as supplementing with collagen-rich foods including black sesame, black beans, wood ear mushrooms, and goji berries. It's important to maintain a pleasant mood, relax, eat less spicy and stimulating foods, ensure adequate sleep, avoid overexertion and staying up late, and refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. Supplementing with vitamins is also beneficial.

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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Can hair loss on the top of the head be reversed?

Generally, hair loss at the top of the head can be reversible. Sudden hair loss on the scalp may indicate alopecia areata, which typically has a clear boundary and reveals shiny patches of skin without pain or itching. This condition is often related to high mental stress and poor sleep. Treatment can include oral administration of Compound Glycyrrhizin Capsules and L-cysteine tablets, or a combination of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, products like Yangxue Shengfa Capsules can be used, as well as topical solutions such as Minoxidil Solution or Compound Siyadan Hair Growth Solution, which can gradually restore hair. If the hair loss at the top of the head is androgenic alopecia, this usually requires combination with certain medications. For women, oral spironolactone can be used; for men, oral finasteride may be helpful. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)