Is postpartum hair loss due to iron deficiency?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on December 03, 2024
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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 Chen Feng
Urology
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What are the reasons for frequent urination and hair loss in women?

Common causes of frequent urination and hair loss in women are as follows: First, frequent urination in women can be seen in normal physiological conditions, but it could also be caused by pathological changes. A normal physiological occurrence generally happens when there is excessive water intake over a short period, leading to frequent urination. Pathological frequent urination is commonly caused by diseases such as ureteral stones, cystitis, and urethritis. These conditions can stimulate the bladder or urethral mucosa, causing symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. Patients will urinate frequently, but the volume of urine each time is not large, and there may be a stinging or burning sensation in the urethra during urination. Second, hair loss in women may occur due to long-term lack of sleep and other poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking and excessive drinking.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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What are the causes of female hair loss?

There are genetic factors at play, with androgenetic alopecia being the most common form affecting both men and women. In men, the hair follicles in the balding areas are more susceptible to the effects and attacks of androgens, along with sensitivity causing the hair follicles to progressively shrink and eventually turn into vellus hair follicles, leading to clinical hair loss, folliculitis, stress, and anxiety, as well as smoking. Postpartum, some autoimmune diseases are also associated with androgenetic alopecia, including other autoimmune factors, exemplified by alopecia areata. Some patients with alopecia areata may also have other concurrent autoimmune diseases, such as goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vitiligo, etc. Excessive mental stress or sudden shock can also cause alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and other types of hair loss.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What should I do if I have severe hair loss due to kidney deficiency?

Severe hair loss caused by kidney deficiency should first be treated with medication under the guidance of a qualified physician. Generally, hair loss is mainly considered to be caused by an excess of androgens or an oversensitivity to androgens, resulting in symptoms. This condition is caused by emotional depression leading to 'fire,' so it is essential to promptly clear the meridians. For example, acupuncture can be very effective in conditioning, and eating more walnuts or black sesame in the diet can also help alleviate the symptoms of hair loss.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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How to improve hair loss and a receding hairline?

For hair loss and receding hairlines, timely symptomatic treatment should be conducted to improve symptoms. The treatment for a receding hairline should vary based on different causes. For cases caused by endocrine disorders, excessive secretion of neurohormones, vigorous secretion of sebaceous glands, or genetic factors, a dermatoscopy can be performed to make a clear diagnosis. Then, visit the endocrinology department, and treat according to the lab results. If the scalp is very oily, selenium disulfide shampoo can be used for washing, and topical minoxidil solution can be applied. If the hair loss is due to seborrheic alopecia, also known as androgenic alopecia, anti-androgen medications should be administered timely, such as finasteride tablets, spironolactone, etc. If the local hair follicles have already caused significant atrophy and noticeable recession, hair transplantation can be considered as a method to improve the hairline by transplanting hair.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can hair loss caused by kidney yin deficiency still grow back?

Hair loss caused by kidney yin deficiency fundamentally needs nourishment of the kidney yin. Kidney yin deficiency generally presents as a pattern of false heat symptoms. In clinical practice, some yin-nourishing medicines can be used for treatment. You can choose Liuwei Dihuang Wan or Yangxue Shengfa capsules. Consistent use can relieve hair loss symptoms. There are other causes of hair loss, not just kidney yin deficiency. It is closely related to daily habits as well. One should avoid staying up late; staying up consumes heart blood and yin blood, which exacerbates yin deficiency leading to worsened kidney yin deficiency. Therefore, it's important to consume more foods and medicines that nourish kidney yin while also avoiding staying up late.