When does postpartum hair loss begin?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 01, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
57sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
40sec home-news-image

Hair loss is divided into several types.

There are many types of hair loss, mainly including androgenic alopecia, neurogenic alopecia, endocrine alopecia, nutritional alopecia, and physical alopecia. Androgenic alopecia is clinically known as seborrheic alopecia, while neurogenic alopecia is also called alopecia areata. Therefore, if you notice a significant amount of hair loss, it is essential to promptly identify the cause. In addition to the types of hair loss mentioned above, there may also be chemical-induced hair loss, infectious hair loss, symptomatic hair loss, congenital hair loss, seasonal hair loss, and other types.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 9sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
52sec home-news-image

Can sulfur soap be used to wash hair for seborrheic alopecia?

If you are experiencing seborrheic hair loss, it is not recommended to use sulfur soap for shampooing. This is because sulfur has a degreasing effect and can treat seborrheic dermatitis, but sulfur is irritating to the scalp. Its strong degreasing effect on the scalp can alter the scalp's microecological environment, which is not conducive to the normal growth and recovery of hair. Therefore, it is not advisable to use sulfur soap for shampooing when experiencing seborrheic hair loss. With the advancement of science, many dandruff treatment and hair growth promoting skincare products can be used for shampooing. We can choose these types of products which cause less damage to the scalp barrier and are more gentle in degreasing, avoiding major irritation and facilitating the recovery of the scalp.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 44sec home-news-image

Difference between seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic hair loss

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion, such as the face, chest, and back. Seborrheic dermatitis is not the same as seborrheic hair loss, although some patients with seborrheic dermatitis may also experience hair loss. Generally, seborrheic dermatitis starts on the face and then spreads downwards to other areas, accompanied by varying degrees of itching, and is commonly seen in adults and newborns. Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with factors such as psychological stress, dietary habits, deficiencies in B vitamins, alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. As it often starts or is primarily localized on the scalp, symptoms can worsen and spread to other areas. The disease tends to occur in areas that are oily, hairy, and sweaty. As the sebaceous glands open into the hair follicles, the initial skin lesions of seborrheic dermatitis are usually small, red papules around the hair follicles. As the condition progresses, these papules can develop into red patches. Some patients may also have oily scales or crusts, as well as varying degrees of hair loss.