You expected some changes after pregnancy, maybe the stretch marks or the sleepless nights, but you weren’t quite prepared for the clumps of hair falling out in the shower. A few months after giving birth, you may notice your hair shedding more than usual. You see strands on your pillow, your clothes, and clogging the drain. It can feel alarming, but it’s perfectly normal.
While it’s a normal part of the post-pregnancy experience for many women, there are effective ways to manage postpartum hair loss. At Vitalogy Health and Integrative Medicine in Denver, we offer cutting-edge medical treatments and recommend strategies to help you maintain healthy hair. This article explores what you can do about postpartum hair loss, how long it typically lasts, and how Vitalogy can help.
Understand what’s normal and when to seek help
Postpartum hair loss is usually caused by a sudden drop in estrogen after childbirth. During pregnancy, higher estrogen levels keep hair in the growth phase, but after delivery, those levels fall, and the hair that didn’t shed during pregnancy begins to fall out all at once. This is known as telogen effluvium and typically starts around three months postpartum.
Shedding usually slows down by six to twelve months, but if your hair loss continues beyond 15 months, it’s time to speak with a professional. Prolonged hair shedding can indicate underlying issues, such as low iron or thyroid imbalances. At Vitalogy, we offer specialized blood testing to uncover what might be contributing to ongoing hair loss.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet that supports hair health
The health of your hair starts from within. After pregnancy, your body may be depleted of nutrients needed for hair growth. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that are rich in:
- Iron (spinach, red meat, legumes)
- Zinc (shellfish, pumpkin seeds, whole grains)
- Vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified dairy)
- B vitamins, especially biotin and B12
- Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds)
- Protein, which is the building block of keratin
Check your ferritin and thyroid levels
Even if your iron levels are normal, your ferritin, the protein that stores iron in the body, might be low. Low ferritin is a common but often overlooked cause of prolonged hair shedding. You may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, sensitivity to cold, or brain fog.
Similarly, thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism) can appear after pregnancy and contribute to hair thinning. At Vitalogy, we conduct comprehensive lab testing to assess your ferritin, iron, thyroid hormones, and other vital markers to understand the root of your hair loss.
Consider PRP therapy for hair restoration
For women experiencing prolonged hair loss, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be an effective regenerative treatment. This process begins by drawing a small amount of your blood and placing it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, a component rich in growth factors. These growth factors are responsible for healing tissues and stimulating cell regeneration. Once prepared, the PRP is injected directly into targeted areas of your scalp using a fine needle.
These PRP injections help reactivate dormant or weakened hair follicles by enhancing blood flow and delivering essential nutrients directly to the root. Over time, this can lead to stronger, thicker strands and a visibly fuller hairline. At Vitalogy, we offer customized PRP protocols for postpartum women to ensure safety and long-term hair restoration results.
Be gentle with your hair and scalp
How you care for your hair postpartum can impact how much you shed and how quickly you recover. Follow these tips:
- Avoid tight ponytails, buns, and braids that pull on the hairline
- Use a wide-tooth comb when detangling wet hair
- Skip heavy conditioners that can weigh hair down
- Use lightweight, volumizing shampoos that strengthen and nourish the scalp
- Minimize heat styling and harsh treatments like bleach
Try proven hair growth treatments like minoxidil
If you’re not breastfeeding, minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) is an FDA-approved option to stimulate hair regrowth. It works by improving blood flow to the scalp and prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle. Our team at Vitalogy can help determine if minoxidil is right for you and ensure it fits safely into your postpartum care routine.
Take care of your overall well-being
Chronic stress, poor sleep, and hormonal imbalances contribute to postpartum hair loss. Practicing stress-reducing activities, such as walking, deep breathing, or yoga, can support hormonal balance and recovery. At Vitalogy, we take a holistic approach to wellness, offering solutions that support both your emotional and physical health during the postpartum period.
Get expert support at Vitalogy
At Vitalogy Health and Integrative Medicine in Denver, we specialize in root-cause diagnostics and individualized treatments for hair loss, hormone imbalances, and postpartum recovery. Our team will help you understand what’s happening in your body, restore confidence, and develop a plan for fuller hair. Schedule your consultation and take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.
