Postpartum Hair Loss vs. Something Else: How to Tell & TCM Insights

Gently pull 50 hairs: >6 coming out easily suggests excessive shedding. Check if thinning is uniform (postpartum) or patterned (androgenetic). Note any scalp redness, scaling, or pain.

Record: Start date relative to childbirth, duration, fatigue, menstrual changes, or new medications. Postpartum loss peaks at 3-4 months and resolves in 6-12 months.

Note unexplained weight gain/loss, persistent cold intolerance (suggesting thyroid), brittle nails (iron deficiency), or stress/anxiety levels. These point to non-postpartum causes.

If loss continues >6 months or has alarming signs, request blood tests: TSH, ferritin (iron), androgens from a GP. TCM would add pulse/tongue assessment for qi-blood status.

Visit a TCM practitioner for: wrist pulse reading (for qi-blood flow), tongue inspection (pale? dry? coating?), and personalized advice on warming meridians or moving stasis.