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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can I perm my hair after postpartum hair loss?

During postpartum hair loss, it is not advisable to perm your hair, as perming can accelerate hair loss. The process of perming involves the use of chemical agents, which contain toxic substances, including heavy metals. These can irritate the hair follicles and cause severe hair loss. Additionally, during breastfeeding, the toxic substances from perming can penetrate the scalp and enter the bloodstream, and then make their way into the baby's body through breast milk, causing adverse effects on the baby. The chemicals used in hair perming can also potentially cause allergic reactions in women, and if the baby comes into contact with these substances, they can also trigger allergies. Therefore, for the health of both the mother and the baby, it is best to avoid perming hair at this time.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should one eat if they have severe hair loss after childbirth?

Postpartum hair loss is also related to nutritional factors in women. In daily life, it is recommended to eat more nutritious foods, such as those rich in iron, including soybeans, black beans, eggs, lean meat, milk, chicken, fish, and fresh vegetables and fruits like pineapple and carrots, which can supplement iron. Additionally, it is important to supplement protein with foods like black sesame and corn, which contain some methionine, potentially slowing down hair loss. It is also necessary to ensure adequate iodine intake, found in seafood like seaweed, oysters, and kelp. Furthermore, consuming vitamin E-rich foods such as black sesame, leafy greens, and lettuce can help prevent hair loss and combat hair aging.

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Written by Wang Yong Hua
Urology
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Frequent urination, urgency, incomplete urination, and hair loss, what are the reasons?

Actually, hair loss is mainly caused by frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete bladder emptying, which are usually caused by urinary system infections. This situation is more common in female patients due to the characteristics of the female urethral structure and changes in estrogen levels within the body, which make these symptoms more likely to appear. Additionally, it could also be caused by urinary tract obstruction, which is generally more common in male patients. However, whether male or female, the appearance of symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete bladder emptying can lead to feelings of irritability, depression, and gloominess, hence the occurrence of hair loss. It is recommended to seek examination and treatment at a formal hospital in such cases.

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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can hair loss after childbirth grow back?

Many women experience hair loss after giving birth. There are several causes of postpartum hair loss, including hormonal changes in the body postpartum, psychological factors, malnutrition, certain medications, infections, and other diseases. Hair lost after childbirth can regrow. It is important to enhance nutrition by eating more protein-rich and vitamin-rich foods, including fresh vegetables and fruits. Additionally, maintaining an optimistic mood, ensuring emotional well-being, and developing good sleep habits are crucial. It’s also important to balance work and rest to avoid excessive fatigue and to avoid staying up late. Regularly washing the hair and choosing suitable hair care products are also recommended.