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 Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
51sec home-news-image

Which is more likely to cause hair loss, Qi deficiency or blood deficiency?

Qi deficiency and blood deficiency generally speak, it is blood deficiency that is more likely to cause hair loss, but the two can also coexist. Therefore, whether it is qi deficiency or blood deficiency, it is necessary to regulate promptly. If there is hair loss, one can usually eat some walnuts and black sesame seeds, which can help prevent the symptoms of hair loss. You can also eat more foods that supplement qi and blood, such as donkey-hide gelatin and jujube, which have the function of regulating qi and blood and improving symptoms. If the condition is severe, it is still necessary to take medicines that supplement qi and blood in time to be effectively treated. Most importantly, do not stay up late, as staying up late will aggravate the condition.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
43sec home-news-image

Does kidney deficiency type hair loss cause an itchy scalp?

Hair loss caused by kidney deficiency generally causes an itchy scalp because, during hair loss, the scalp lacks nutrition, leading also to a significant amount of dandruff, which results in itching. It is advised to consistently manage this condition in everyday life. To treat kidney deficiency, one can promptly take medications for effective and quick treatment. Dietary adjustments, such as including leeks, Chinese yam, and goji berries, can also significantly help in replenishing kidney deficiency and effectively managing the condition. Additionally, engaging in moderate physical exercise can help increase resistance.

doctor image
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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
1min 3sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
50sec home-news-image

How to nourish through diet for postpartum hair loss?

When experiencing postpartum hair loss, women should enhance their nutrition by consuming more iron-rich foods, such as soybeans, black beans, seafood, spinach, and red beans, all of which contain abundant iron. Iron deficiency after childbirth is also related to the occurrence of anemia. Additionally, consuming plenty of protein-rich foods is essential, particularly since the growth of hair needs the amino acid cysteine. Therefore, it's indispensable to supplement proteins. In everyday life, one can eat chicken, beef, eggs, milk, and soy products, which all are rich in high-quality plant proteins and are excellent choices. Moreover, it’s beneficial to eat a moderate amount of iodine-containing foods, such as kelp and seaweed.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
59sec home-news-image

What is the reason for severe hair loss after childbirth?

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.