How long does it take for postpartum hair loss to recover?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on September 30, 2024

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Postpartum hair loss is a very common phenomenon. Generally, women's hair will gradually return to normal within six months to a year after childbirth. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, a woman's hair may not be as thick as before, which is normal. Recovery can be facilitated by improving diet, ensuring adequate rest and sleep, exercising to enhance physical resistance, and consuming foods rich in proteins and vitamins, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. Generally, most people can return to normal within six months to a year.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 9sec

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What is hair loss lacking?

Hair loss is often related to deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B, and trace elements including iron, zinc, and calcium. It is also related to the lack of nutritional factors, such as a deficiency in high-quality protein, which can lead to hair loss. Hair loss can be associated with many factors, including nutrition, diet, neurological and mental factors, as well as certain diseases including endocrine disorders and immune system diseases that can cause hair loss. Therefore, when experiencing hair loss, it's important to carefully analyze the reasons, and visit a hospital to determine the specific causes. If the cause is a deficiency in trace elements and vitamins, appropriate supplements should be provided. If it is caused by diseases, timely treatment of the primary disease is necessary. In terms of diet, it is also important to consume foods rich in protein and vitamins.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

44sec

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When does postpartum hair loss begin?

Postpartum hair loss generally begins three months after childbirth and is a normal physiological phenomenon. In medicine, it is also known as telogen effluvium postpartum. The main reason for hair loss is related to changes in estrogen levels in the body after pregnancy. During pregnancy, the increased levels of estrogen slow down the rate of hair loss and extend the life of hair. However, after giving birth, hormone levels gradually decrease and the hair loses hormonal support, leading to hair loss. This condition typically starts around three months postpartum and can gradually improve around six months after childbirth.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

57sec

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Can hair loss be inherited?

Hair loss generally has two common types: alopecia areata and seborrheic alopecia. Seborrheic alopecia has a certain hereditary nature, whereas alopecia areata does not have a hereditary aspect. Most cases are related to deficiencies in vitamins, trace elements, or low immunity. Seborrheic alopecia has some hereditary factors and is a genetic disease carried by males in the family. Once this disease occurs, it is not easy to completely eradicate and tends to worsen with age. Generally, one can take oral medications to reduce oil secretion, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and avoid staying up late and stress. It is advisable to wash hair with lukewarm or cold water, and avoid using very hot water. After recovery, it is important to exercise more, consume more vegetables and fruits, and supplement vitamins and trace elements.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 30sec

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Is supplementing with zinc useful for seborrheic hair loss?

Patients with seborrheic alopecia can appropriately supplement with zinc-rich preparations and foods, which have certain auxiliary effects on the hair. Seborrheic alopecia, also known as androgenic alopecia, is a type of hair loss characterized by genetic factors and dependent on androgen action. It can occur in both men and women, though it is more common in men. Treatment mainly targets the hair follicles, and there is no particularly effective cure. Treatments can include topical application of 2% or 5% minoxidil solution, oral administration of finasteride, and for women, oral spironolactone can be used. If necessary, treatment can be supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine and scalp acupuncture, including plum blossom needle therapy. For cases of seborrheic alopecia where the hair follicles have significantly atrophied, scalp transplantation and hair transplantation may also be options. Patients with seborrheic alopecia should also pay attention to their diet by consuming light, nutritious foods and avoiding spicy and irritating substances. It is beneficial to consume foods containing high-quality complex proteins and various vitamins, including vitamins, trace elements, zinc, copper, calcium, etc., all of which assist in hair growth.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

2min 3sec

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How to treat hair loss?

There are many types of hair loss, such as sudden localized patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia which is related to genetic factors and dependent on the action of androgens, also known as seborrheic alopecia, as well as postpartum hair loss due to insufficient qi and blood after childbirth, and telogen effluvium caused by rapid weight loss or dieting. The specific treatment of hair loss should be based on the corresponding cause. The cause of alopecia areata is not completely clear, and it is related to factors such as emotions, stress, endocrine disruption, and autoimmunity. Treatment generally includes oral intake of compound glycyrrhizin tablets and topical application of minoxidil. If the skin lesions are widespread or severe, the combination of corticosteroid treatment may be considered, and treatment generally lasts several months or even longer. Androgenetic alopecia often occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 and is related to familial genetics. The treatment of this condition lacks very effective remedies. Treatment options include topical minoxidil, and oral intake of finasteride. Traditional Chinese medicine has relatively good effects in treating androgenetic alopecia, including the oral intake of Chinese herbal medicine and local acupuncture treatment. Attention should be paid to avoiding staying up late and maintaining a light diet. When the hair follicles have already closed, local hair transplantation can be carried out, transferring hair from the occipital region of the scalp to the top. If the area of androgenetic alopecia is too large without sufficient follicles for transplantation, then the use of a wig should be considered. (Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)