Postpartum hair loss (telogen effluvium) can sometimes reveal an underlying hair disorder.

Women with severe or prolonged hair shedding were later diagnosed with:
- Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness) - A hereditary condition causing hair thinning over time.
- Chronic telogen effluvium (persistent excessive shedding) - A condition where hair stays in the shedding phase longer than normal.

Researchers recommend seeing a doctor if postpartum hair loss lasts more than 12 months.

What This Means for You

Understanding the Difference: Normal Postpartum Hair Loss vs. A Hidden Condition

Postpartum Telogen Effluvium (Normal Shedding)

- Caused by hormonal changes after pregnancy.
- Begins around 3 months postpartum and peaks at 4-6 months.
- Hair typically regrows fully within 6-12 months.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Baldness)

- Genetic condition where hair gradually thins over time.
- Widening part or overall thinning instead of sudden hair loss.
- More common in women over 30, but postpartum shedding can reveal it earlier.

Chronic Telogen Effluvium (Long-Term Shedding)

- Hair sheds excessively for months or years with no clear cause.
- Triggers include: extreme stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances.
- Hair may feel thinner all over, but no bald patches develop.

How to Know If It’s Normal or Something More?

✔ If hair stops shedding and begins regrowing within a year, it was postpartum telogen effluvium (normal).
✔ If shedding continues for over 12 months, see a dermatologist for further testing.
✔ If your part line is widening or hair is getting visibly thinner over time, it may be androgenetic alopecia.

How to Support Hair Regrowth & Prevent Long-Term Thinning

Science-Backed Ways to Protect Hair Health

While this study did not test treatments, general advice to support hair health includes:

✔ Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet supports overall recovery.
✔ Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise may help improve wellbeing.
✔ Boost Scalp Circulation: Cordyceps Sinensis increases blood flow to follicles, supporting regrowth.
✔ Balance Hormonal Changes: Ganoderma lucid adaptogens help regulate stress hormones & estrogen shifts.
✔ Nourish Follicles with Antioxidants: Inonotus obliquus & Vitamin D protect against excessive shedding.
✔ If you are concerned, consult your doctor or a dermatologist to discuss options.

That’s exactly why we created the Luna Gold HOLISTIC HAIR - 30-Day Regrowth System: to give your hair the science-backed support it needs.

How long does normal postpartum shedding last?

Most of us see shedding peak at 3-6 months postpartum, with full regrowth within 12 months.

How do I know if I have female pattern baldness instead of postpartum hair loss?

✔ Postpartum shedding happens all at once, then stops.
✔ Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) causes gradual thinning over time (especially at the hairline or part).

Can stress cause long-term hair loss?

Yes. Chronic stress increases cortisol, which disrupts the hair growth cycle. High stress levels can turn temporary shedding into prolonged hair loss.

What nutrients are essential for hair regrowth?

The study did not cover nutrition, but a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals is generally important for healthy hair:

- Iron & Vitamin D - Essential for follicle health & reducing hair shedding.
- Biotin & B12 - Help strengthen and thicken new hair.
- Antioxidants (Cordyceps Sinensis, Inonotus obliquus, Ganoderma lucid) - Protect hair from inflammation & oxidative stress.

When should I see a doctor about hair loss?

✔ If hair loss continues beyond 12 months postpartum.
✔ If you notice widening part lines or thinning at the crown.
✔ If you have other symptoms like extreme fatigue, weight changes, or irregular periods (which could indicate a hormonal imbalance).