Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Myths, and What You Need to Know

Myth: Postpartum Hair Loss Is Just Something You Have to Deal With

Is your hair falling out in clumps when you shower? I know the feeling, and it’s not fun. You start to panic and wonder if you’ll have any hair left. 

For so many new moms, postpartum hair loss can feel like an inevitable part of the motherhood journey. You’re told it’s just something you have to deal with—another sacrifice your body makes after bringing life into the world. But is that really true?

What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?

During pregnancy, your hormones shift dramatically. Estrogen levels surge, which keeps your hair in the growth phase longer than usual. This is why so many expectant moms experience thicker, fuller hair. 

That pregnancy glow is real!

But once you give birth and your estrogen levels return to normal, those extra hairs that were supposed to shed gradually start to fall out all at once. This phenomenon, known as postpartum hair loss, typically begins around three to six months after delivery (Cleveland Clinic).

For some moms, the shedding stops within a few months. For others, it can last a year or longer. And in some cases—like my client Sarah—it didn’t stop at all.

The Hormone Cycle and Postpartum Hair Changes

Postpartum hair thinning and shedding is directly linked to the hormonal shifts that occur before, during, and after pregnancy. Understanding how these hormonal changes affect hair growth can help new moms make sense of why their hair is shedding—and when it will likely return to normal.

Pregnancy: The High Estrogen Phase

During pregnancy, estrogen levels soar. This hormone plays a significant role in prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, meaning fewer hairs fall out than usual. Many women experience thicker, fuller hair because their typical daily hair shedding is put on pause.

Postpartum: The Estrogen Drop and Hair Shedding

After childbirth, estrogen levels rapidly decline as the body returns to its pre-pregnancy hormonal state. This sudden drop triggers a large number of hair follicles to enter the telogen (resting) phase all at once. About 2-4 months postpartum, these hairs begin shedding simultaneously—this is what we refer to as postpartum hair loss.

Breastfeeding and Hair Loss

Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, remains elevated during breastfeeding. Some studies suggest that prolactin may prolong postpartum hair shedding in some women, while others find their hair loss slows once they begin supplementing with formula or solid foods.

When Does Postpartum Hair Loss End?

For most women, postpartum shedding peaks around 4-6 months postpartum and resolves by 9-12 months postpartum. However, some mothers experience prolonged hair thinning, especially if they have underlying nutrient deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, or chronic stress.

Other Hormonal Factors That Affect Postpartum Hair Loss

• Cortisol: High stress levels postpartum can increase cortisol production, further disrupting the hair cycle.
• Thyroid Hormones: Conditions like postpartum thyroiditis (temporary thyroid dysfunction after pregnancy) can worsen or prolong hair loss.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: Low iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins postpartum can contribute to hair thinning.

While postpartum hair loss is a natural part of the body’s hormonal adjustment, it can feel distressing. If shedding persists beyond one year postpartum, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider to rule out other underlying conditions.

Sarah’s Story: When Postpartum Hair Shedding Didn’t Stop After One Year

Sarah, a mother of three, noticed excessive hair shedding after her second baby was born. She assumed it was normal and waited patiently for it to resolve. But a year later, the bald spots above her temples were still there. She thought weaning from breastfeeding might help, but even after nursing for two years, her hair hadn’t returned to normal.

Embarrassed, she always wore her hair down, avoiding ponytails or buns that might expose her thinning hairline. She stopped coloring her hair, hoping that minimizing damage would allow new growth. 

But no matter what she did, her hair remained thin and lifeless. It wasn’t until she sought professional advice from Postpartum Care USA that she realized postpartum hair loss lasting beyond a year wasn’t something she had to accept.

Postpartum Hair Loss vs. Something More Serious

According to a study done by the NIH, over 90% of women reported experiencing some level of hair loss within the first year postpartum.

While postpartum hair loss is common, excessive or prolonged shedding might be a sign of something more serious. Thyroid dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances can all contribute to hair thinning long after the normal postpartum period.

READ MORE ABOUT POSTNATAL DEPLETION SYNDROME HERE.

If your hair loss extends beyond a year or seems extreme, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider that specializes in postpartum symptoms. An in-depth blood test can reveal whether imbalances in iron, vitamin D, or thyroid hormones are contributing to the problem.

It may not be enough to take your prenatal vitamins and biotin and hope for the best. We have seen mothers suffer from hair thinning for up to 3 years postpartum! This doesn’t have to be your reality.

Does Breastfeeding Affect Your Hair Thickness?

Breastfeeding can influence hair changes in the postpartum period, but it’s not the sole cause. Some moms notice their shedding slows while nursing, only to experience a second wave of hair loss when they wean. 

This happens because estrogen levels shift again, triggering another round of shedding. However, if hair loss persists for months after weaning, it may indicate an underlying issue beyond hormonal changes.

When to Check Thyroid Levels After Pregnancy

Many new moms dismiss persistent fatigue, mood swings, and hair loss as just part of postpartum life. But these can also be symptoms of thyroiditis postpartum—a condition where the thyroid becomes inflamed after childbirth. If your hair loss is accompanied by extreme exhaustion, anxiety, weight fluctuations, or difficulty regulating your body temperature, it may be time to get your thyroid checked.

Doctors recommend testing thyroid levels within six months after birth if you experience prolonged or excessive hair shedding. This can help determine whether conditions like postpartum thyroiditis or Grave’s disease are at play.

At PPCU, we believe you don’t have to wait until your symptoms get unbearable. You can take a proactive approach and get your labs checked as early as 6 weeks postpartum all the way until 10 years postpartum. 

Book a call with one of our Nurse Practitioners to see if we can help you manage your postpartum hair loss and other symptoms. 

How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?

For most women, pregnancy hair loss after birth is temporary, with regrowth beginning around the baby’s first birthday. However, factors like stress, lack of sleep, and nutritional deficiencies can extend the shedding phase. 

If hair loss continues beyond a year postpartum, a deeper look into potential causes is necessary.

Debunking the Myth: You Don’t Have to Accept Hair Thinning and Shedding as Normal

It’s easy to believe that postpartum hair changes are just parts of the motherhood package. But persistent shedding isn’t something you have to accept as inevitable. Your hair is an extension of your overall health, and paying attention to prolonged hair loss can be the first step in uncovering imbalances that deserve attention.

If you’ve been struggling with hair loss longer than expected, know that you’re not alone. There are ways to address the root cause and support your body’s natural recovery process. 

Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll explore effective solutions to help you restore and maintain healthy hair postpartum!

Pin This for Later: