What is the reason for severe hair loss after childbirth?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on February 26, 2025
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Postpartum hair loss is severe and is mostly associated with deficiency in both Qi and blood after childbirth. Some patients experience this due to lack of vitamins, trace elements, or changes in endocrine function. If hair loss is severe and persistent without good treatment results, it is recommended to visit a formal hospital to initially check for a complete blood count to see if there is any anemia and to check for trace elements deficiencies. If these conditions exist, it is advisable to take medications that supplement blood, vitamins, and trace elements according to the symptoms. Additionally, some patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and back pain. For these symptoms, visiting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and using herbal medicine for a long-term treatment can be effective. Regularly regulate your diet and lifestyle habits, try to avoid eating foods with heavy flavors, ensure good rest, and avoid staying up late.

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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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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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Can kidney deficiency type hair loss heal itself?

Kidney deficiency hair loss cannot heal by itself; it requires regular diet adjustments or the use of medications that supplement kidney deficiency for effective treatment. Do not let it heal on its own, as neglecting it might worsen the condition and lead to other symptoms, so timely treatment is crucial. Foods that supplement kidney deficiency, such as leeks, white radishes, donkey-hide gelatin, and goji berries, should be consumed regularly as they can effectively help in replenishing kidney deficiency and improve symptoms. It is also very important to rest adequately, avoid excessive fatigue, and most importantly, avoid staying up late.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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.

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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.