Hair loss conditions Mostly affects women
Postpartum hair loss: why it happens and when it settles
Heavy shedding a few months after having a baby is very common. It is usually a form of telogen effluvium, a temporary disruption of the hair growth cycle, and it normally settles on its own without treatment. It is worth checking iron and thyroid levels if it goes on longer than expected or you feel unwell.
What is postpartum hair loss?
Hair grows in cycles: a long growing phase, then a resting phase of a few months, after which the old hair is pushed out by a new one. A 2023 study in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology explains that the growing phase is prolonged during pregnancy, so fewer hairs are shed than usual. After the birth, many of those follicles move out of the growing phase together, and the hairs fall a few months later. The hair growth cycle glossary entry explains the phases.
The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) lists childbirth as one of the most common triggers of telogen effluvium, the medical name for this kind of shedding. It comes from all over the scalp, rather than in patches.
It is very common. In that 2023 questionnaire study of 331 mothers in Japan, 91.8% reported at least some hair loss after giving birth. On average it started 2.9 months after delivery, peaked at 5.1 months and ended at 8.1 months. The authors point out that women who had hair loss may have been more likely to reply, so the true figure may be lower, but it is clearly a normal experience.
For most women, hair returns to its usual thickness over the following months. Occasionally, as the shedding settles, it reveals thinning on top that was already developing. The BAD notes that telogen effluvium can sometimes lead to an early diagnosis of female pattern hair loss.
Signs to look for
- Much more hair than usual in the shower drain, on your brush or on your pillow, starting a few months after the birth
- Shedding from all over the scalp rather than in patches
- Hair that feels thinner and has less volume overall
- Scalp skin that looks normal, with no redness, scaling or bald spots
- Occasionally, scalp tenderness or altered sensation (called trichodynia)
What causes it
The hair cycle resetting
Hairs held in the growing phase during pregnancy enter the resting phase together after the birth, then shed a few months later.
Iron deficiency
The NHS says pregnancy is a very common cause of iron deficiency anaemia, and hair loss can be one of its symptoms.
Thyroid changes
An underactive thyroid can cause hair loss, and the NHS notes that GPs ask whether you have recently been pregnant when they assess thyroid symptoms.
Other triggers around the same time
The BAD lists stress, illness with a high fever, surgery, marked weight loss, and starting or stopping hormone treatment such as the contraceptive pill as triggers too.
How it is diagnosed
A GP can usually recognise postpartum shedding from the timing and the look of your scalp. They may do a gentle hair pull test to see whether more hairs come out than expected; the BAD notes this can give a falsely normal result if you have washed your hair in the previous 48 hours.
A blood test is not always needed, but the BAD says one may be done to exclude other causes such as thyroid conditions and iron deficiency. The NHS says the GP will usually do a full blood count to check for anaemia. Your postnatal check at around 6 to 8 weeks is a good time to raise any concerns, but shedding often starts later than that, and you can see a GP at any point.
If you have patches, a sore or red scalp, or shedding that does not follow this pattern, it may be something else, and a GP or dermatologist should take a look.
Treatment options
Every option below has trade-offs, and choosing not to treat is a reasonable decision too. Medicines are only prescribed after a doctor has reviewed your history and confirmed they are suitable for you.
What to expect
The BAD says the shedding phase of telogen effluvium lasts between 3 and 6 months, after which new hair starts to grow. It can take many months more for your hair to return to its normal volume and thickness, so the recovery is gradual rather than sudden.
In the 2023 study, hair loss had ended on average about 8 months after the birth. Everyone is different, and the BAD describes telogen effluvium as chronic (long term) if it lasts more than 6 months, which is a reason to see your GP and check for an underlying cause.
If, once things have settled, your parting looks wider or the top looks thinner than before pregnancy, that may be female pattern hair loss that the shedding has made more noticeable. That is worth a proper assessment.
When to see a doctor promptly
See your GP soon, rather than waiting or self-treating, if you notice any of these:
- Heavy shedding that is still going on more than 6 months after it started
- Bald patches, or loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
- A red, scaly, painful or itchy scalp, or areas that look smooth and shiny
- Tiredness, shortness of breath, palpitations, feeling cold or unexplained weight change
- Low mood, anxiety or finding it hard to cope: speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor
How WMG Meds can help
For most new mothers, the honest answer is that no medicine is needed. Postpartum shedding usually settles by itself, and the BAD says medication does not speed up regrowth. WMG Meds will not prescribe treatment just to hurry it along.
Where we can sometimes help is later. If the shedding has stopped but thinning on top remains, a GMC-registered doctor can assess whether it looks like female pattern hair loss through our free online assessment. They will ask about breastfeeding, pregnancy plans and contraception, because minoxidil is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and oral minoxidil needs reliable contraception. Our page can women use minoxidil explains the cautions.
If you want to rule out iron or thyroid problems now, see your GP, or our sister clinic WMG Health offers blood tests for post-pregnancy hair loss.
Frequently asked questions
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
The BAD says the shedding phase of telogen effluvium lasts 3 to 6 months, and hair can take many more months to get back to its normal thickness. In one 2023 study of mothers, hair loss started on average 2.9 months after birth and ended at 8.1 months. If shedding is still heavy after 6 months, see your GP.
Is postpartum hair loss caused by breastfeeding?
Not directly, as far as anyone knows. The 2023 study found that women who breastfed for longer were more likely to report hair loss, but a questionnaire study can only show a link, not a cause. Hair shedding on its own is not a reason to change how you feed your baby; if you are weighing that decision, talk it through with your midwife, health visitor or GP.
Can I use minoxidil while breastfeeding?
No. The product information for the licensed women's minoxidil foam says it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, because minoxidil absorbed into the body passes into breast milk and its effect on babies is unknown. Oral minoxidil is not suitable while breastfeeding either. The BAD also advises avoiding minoxidil if you are planning a pregnancy.
Will my hair go back to normal?
For most women, yes. The BAD says telogen effluvium usually gets completely better without treatment. If your hair does not recover its previous thickness, it may be that the shedding has revealed female pattern hair loss, which can be assessed and treated once you are no longer breastfeeding.
Should I get my bloods checked?
It is worth considering if shedding is heavy, lasts longer than expected, or you feel unusually tired or breathless. The NHS says pregnancy is a very common cause of iron deficiency anaemia, and an underactive thyroid can also cause hair loss. Your GP can arrange tests, and WMG Health offers private blood tests for post-pregnancy hair loss.
Sources
- British Association of Dermatologists: Telogen effluvium, patient leaflet (October 2025)
- Investigation of exacerbating factors for postpartum hair loss: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, International Journal of Women's Dermatology (2023)
- Regaine for Women Once a Day Scalp Foam 5% w/w: Summary of Product Characteristics (eMC)
- NHS: Iron deficiency anaemia
- NHS: Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Facts checked against these sources on 4 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Read our editorial policy.