Postpartum Hair - Science Hub
Study: The Link Between Postpartum Hair Loss & Anxiety
How stress & worry can make hair shedding worse
Study Overview
Study Title: Postpartum Hair Loss is Associated with Anxiety
Authors: A. Hirose, M. Terauchi, T. Odai, A. Fudono, K. Tsurane, M. Sekiguchi, M. Iwata, T. Anzai, K. Takahashi, N. Miyasaka
Published In: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 2024
Reference: obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Key Findings
Women reporting “very much” postpartum hair loss were significantly more likely to experience anxiety compared to those with no hair loss, with a crude odds ratio of 4.47 on the GAD‑2 anxiety subscale.
The association remained robust after adjustment; the adjusted odds ratio for anxiety in women with very much hair loss was 4.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.18–17.74).
Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that, aside from the amount of hair loss, primiparity (being a first-time mother) was an independent predictor of postpartum anxiety.
Higher Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores were also independently associated with increased anxiety levels in the postpartum period.
What This Means for You
This study found that women with a lot of hair loss after giving birth are more likely to feel anxious. It also showed that first-time moms and those with more sleep problems tend to have higher anxiety.
✔️ Women with "very much" hair loss had much higher anxiety levels.
✔️ First-time moms and women with poor sleep had more anxiety.
✔️ The study shows that mental health is important during the postpartum period.
If you are losing hair after having a baby, remember that this is common and usually temporary. The study found a strong link between hair shedding and anxiety. Taking care of your mental health is important during this time.
How Anxiety and Hair Loss Are Linked
1️⃣ More hair loss is related to more anxiety.
2️⃣ The study found that women with a lot of hair loss had higher anxiety scores.
3️⃣ Being a first-time mom and having sleep problems also raised anxiety levels.
4️⃣ It is important to keep an eye on your mental health during this phase.
How to Reduce Stress & Support Hair Regrowth
Taking Care of Yourself
✔ Focus on relaxing and taking time for yourself.
✔ Talk to friends, family, or a counselor if you feel overwhelmed.
✔ Eat a balanced diet and live a healthy lifestyle to help your body recover.
✔ Balance Cortisol & Reduce Anxiety: Adaptogens like Ganoderma lucid help regulate stress hormones.
✔ Improve Scalp Circulation: Cordyceps Sinensis extract supports blood flow, delivering nutrients to hair follicles.
✔ Replenish Lost Nutrients: Inonotus obliquus & B vitamins help counteract stress-related nutrient depletion.
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.
FAQs: Postpartum Hair Loss, Stress & Recovery
Can stress really cause hair loss?
Yes! Stress is linked with more hair shedding. Research shows that women with a lot of postpartum hair loss also tend to feel more anxious.
How can I reduce stress to help my hair regrow?
- Adaptogens (Cordyceps Sinensis, Inonotus obliquus, Ganoderma lucid) help regulate stress hormones.
- Deep breathing, meditation, and gentle exercise can lower cortisol naturally.
- Eating a nutrient-dense diet supports hair regrowth from the inside out.
How long does it take for hair to grow back after postpartum shedding?
In many cases, the hair shedding phase ends around 8 months after delivery. For most women, hair starts to regrow around that time, and full recovery may take up to about a year.
Will my hair grow back exactly the same?
Yes, but some of us notice slight texture changes (e.g., curlier or finer hair) due to hormonal shifts.
