Postpartum hair loss is related to what?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on February 03, 2025

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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 Qu Jing

Dermatology

2min 14sec

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Will hair regrow after hair loss from scalp ringworm?

Scalp ringworm causes hair loss, and whether hair will regrow depends on the severity and specific type of scalp ringworm. There are generally four types of scalp ringworm: yellow ringworm, white ringworm, black dot ringworm, and kerion. White ringworm is primarily caused by infection from Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypsum, or Trichophyton violaceum. It is common in school-aged children, starting with small clustered papules that quickly expand outward into round or oval shapes covered with gray-white scale. Hair affected by white ringworm protrudes 2-4 millimeters above the scalp before breaking off. This type of ringworm does not destroy the hair follicles, so it does not cause permanent hair loss. After treatment, no scars are left, and hair can regrow in the affected area. Yellow ringworm, commonly known as bald ringworm, affects hair follicles and destroys them, leading to significant permanent hair loss and leaving behind atrophic scars. Hair will not regrow after healing from this type of ringworm. Black dot ringworm is now less common. It directly affects the hair follicles, characterized by hair breaking off shortly after emerging, leaving black dot-like stumps at the follicle openings. As this is a type of fungal infection, the prognosis includes localized hair loss and spot-like atrophic scars; hence, hair will not regrow in these areas. Kerion is a more severe outbreak where honeycomb-like pus pockets are formed at the follicle openings, allowing pus to be expressed. Triggering bacterial infections can also lead to abscesses. This type also destroys hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss and scarring, without regrowth of hair.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 13sec

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What to do about hair loss during menopause?

Hair loss during menopause requires attention to nutrition. It is important to consume protein-rich foods to ensure hair nourishment. Additionally, consuming B vitamins like vitamin B2, B6, and B12 can help reduce oiliness and follicle clogging in the hair. It is also important to enhance iron absorption and metabolic nutrition to avoid damage to hair follicles and hair itself. Proper hair care is crucial: maintain cleanliness and protect the scalp, and avoid frequent hair perming and dyeing that could damage the hair. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can also be used to target treatment based on differential diagnosis, including taking specific pre-prepared TCM formulas like nourishing blood and generating essence capsules. When going outdoors, it is also important to protect against sun exposure to prevent hair damage and reduce hair loss. Moreover, it is beneficial to maintain a positive mood, regularly massage the scalp, and avoid staying up late.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

50sec

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When does postpartum hair loss start?

Postpartum hair loss generally begins one to three months after childbirth, gradually leading to noticeable hair loss. This is primarily due to hormonal changes in postpartum women, with a decrease in estrogen accelerating the rate of hair loss. Additionally, postpartum women are often physically weaker, with deficiencies in vital energy and blood leading to insufficient nourishment to the scalp, thereby worsening the hair loss. The condition is usually most severe three to four months after childbirth. From six to twelve months postpartum, this phenomenon generally gradually subsides, and if it is not too severe, treatment may not be necessary.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun

Traditional Chinese Medicine

45sec

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Can Poria cure hair loss?

Poria cocos (Fu Ling) is actually not very effective in treating hair loss because it primarily helps to expel dampness from the body, though it can provide some improvement and regulation. Therefore, if hair loss occurs, it is still necessary to promptly identify the underlying cause to better address the issue. Poria cocos is mainly used for its dampness-expelling properties, and the causes of hair loss can vary greatly, such as calcium deficiency, kidney deficiency, and bodily coldness, among others. If the hair loss is caused by bodily coldness, consuming Poria cocos can indeed have a beneficial effect. Additionally, eating foods like black sesame seeds or walnuts can also have a preventative effect against hair loss.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun

Traditional Chinese Medicine

44sec

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How many years can hair loss due to deficiency of Qi, blood, and kidney be recovered?

When conditions of qi and blood deficiency or kidney deficiency occur, no matter how long the hair loss has lasted, the main issue is the lack of timely treatment and care, which leads to the continuous development of symptoms. Generally, helping to supplement qi and blood and address kidney deficiency can significantly improve hair loss. Firstly, in terms of diet, it is beneficial to eat foods like red beans, Chinese yam, goji berries, and donkey-hide gelatin, as they help replenish qi and blood and nourish the kidneys. It is also necessary to get timely treatment through medication. This can indeed help with a better and faster recovery. Importantly, one should avoid staying up late.