Postpartum hair loss at 4 months while breastfeeding: is it normal and when will it stop?

By Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, Harvard Medical SchoolReviewed by Eureka Health Medical Group
Published: June 29, 2025Updated: June 29, 2025

Summary

Yes—most women experience their heaviest postpartum hair shedding around three-to-five months, whether or not they breastfeed. In 85-90 % of cases it slows by the 6-month mark and stops by 9-12 months as estrogen, prolactin and thyroid levels stabilise. Good nutrition, gentle hair care and ruling out iron or thyroid deficiency shorten the shedding phase.

Is heavy hair shedding four months after birth while breastfeeding normal?

Four months postpartum is the peak time for telogen effluvium—the medical term for sudden, diffuse shedding triggered by the drop in pregnancy hormones. Breastfeeding does not usually worsen or prolong the process. “Roughly eight out of ten new mothers notice extra strands in the shower between weeks 12 and 20,” says the team at Eureka Health.

  • Shedding spikes at 12–16 weeksThe abrupt fall in estrogen pushes up to 30 % of scalp hairs into the resting (telogen) phase compared with 5–10 % before pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding has little impact on durationMultiple cohort studies show no statistical difference in the length of postpartum telogen effluvium between breastfeeding and formula-feeding mothers.
  • Most women stop shedding by month nineIn prospective data from 542 mothers, 88 % reported marked improvement by the end of their baby’s first year.
  • Hair volume returns to baselineRegrowth catches up within 6–12 months because follicles remain healthy and capable of cycling back into the growth phase.
  • Nearly half of mothers experience noticeable postpartum sheddingDermatology sources estimate that 40–50 % of people develop telogen effluvium after childbirth, making it one of the most common postpartum body changes. (GreenMD)
  • Average onset 2.9 months, peak 5.1 months, ends 8.1 monthsA meta-analysis of hair-loss studies calculated that shedding usually starts about 12 weeks after delivery, reaches its height just after month 5, and subsides before month 9. (Anagen)

References

Which symptoms mean the hair loss is not just postpartum telogen effluvium?

A small but important minority of women shed hair for other reasons such as iron deficiency or thyroid disease. “Look beyond normal postpartum shedding if you see bald patches rather than diffuse thinning,” advises Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.

  • Visible round bald spots can signal alopecia areataPatchy loss, especially on the crown or beard-like areas along the hairline, warrants dermatology review.
  • Shedding plus fatigue may indicate iron deficiencyFerritin below 30 ng/mL was linked to persistent hair loss in 42 % of postpartum women in a 2023 clinic series.
  • Swelling, weight change, or constipation points to thyroid dysfunctionPostpartum thyroiditis affects about 7 % of mothers and can start with silent hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism and hair thinning.
  • Hair coming out with an inflamed scalp suggests infectionFolliculitis or tinea capitis causes redness, scaling or pustules – findings that are never part of simple telogen effluvium.
  • Hair loss from eyebrows or other body areas is atypical for postpartum sheddingMotherwell Nutrition notes that normal telogen effluvium affects scalp hairs only; seeing lashes, brows or other body hair thin out should prompt evaluation for autoimmune or endocrine disorders. (Motherwell)
  • Shedding that lasts beyond 12 months points to causes beyond telogen effluviumKellyMom explains that most mothers’ hair cycles normalize within 6–12 months; ongoing or excessive loss after the baby’s first birthday warrants tests for iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance or other conditions. (KellyMom)

References

What hormonal shifts cause postpartum hair loss?

During pregnancy, high estrogen and progesterone extend the growth phase of each hair. After delivery, estrogen, progesterone and human placental lactogen plummet within days, while prolactin stays high if you breastfeed. The sudden hormonal withdrawal synchronises hair follicles into shedding.

  • Estrogen drop is the primary triggerLaboratory studies show estrogen receptors on scalp follicles; low estrogen shortens the anagen (growth) phase.
  • Prolactin does not prolong telogenDespite folklore, controlled data find no correlation between serum prolactin and duration of postpartum shedding.
  • Cortisol spikes add stress to folliclesSleepless nights elevate cortisol by up to 40 %, an additional driver of follicles entering telogen.
  • Thyroid shifts are temporary for mostAround 60 % of transient postpartum thyroiditis cases resolve spontaneously within 12 months, allowing hair regrowth.
  • Shedding peaks around four months postpartumHealthline reports that postpartum hair loss most often reaches its maximum around the 4-month mark, coinciding with the sharp decline in pregnancy hormones. (Healthline)
  • Up to 90 % of new mothers experience transient telogen effluviumToday’s Parent notes that postpartum hair thinning is common, affecting as many as 9 out of 10 women within 2–6 months after delivery before self-resolving. (TodayParent)

References

What daily steps actually slow postpartum hair shedding?

Simple changes can minimise breakage and support regrowth while the hormone cycle resets. “Think nutrient-dense meals and gentle styling rather than miracle shampoos,” notes the team at Eureka Health.

  • Aim for 65–75 g of protein dailyHair shafts are 90 % keratin; research links protein intakes under 0.8 g/kg to higher shedding rates.
  • Top up ferritin above 70 ng/mLDietary iron from lean red meat or fortified cereals plus vitamin C boosts ferritin and shortens telogen duration in trials.
  • Use loose hairstyles and wide-tooth combsTight buns increase traction alopecia risk; a 2022 survey found 24 % less breakage when women switched to looser styles.
  • Choose mild sulfate-free shampooHarsh detergents strip the cuticle, while gentler formulas reduce breakage by 30 % in comparative lab testing.
  • Consider biotin only if levels are lowRandom supplementation above 30 µg daily offers no extra benefit and can interfere with thyroid lab assays.
  • Continue prenatal or postnatal vitamins through at least 6 monthsBreastfeeding and recovery can drain micronutrient stores; experts recommend a daily prenatal/postnatal multivitamin to close nutrient gaps that might otherwise prolong shedding. (FemiGem)
  • Massage scalp with rosemary oil for drug-free growth supportThe Ribbon Box cites clinical work showing rosemary oil performed on par with 2 % minoxidil for increasing hair counts while causing less itching, making 2–3 weekly scalp massages a gentle postpartum option. (RibbonBox)

References

Which blood tests and treatments are worth discussing if shedding is severe?

If hair loss continues past nine months or is accompanied by systemic symptoms, objective testing guides next steps. “Targeted labs prevent unnecessary supplements and pinpoint treatable causes,” says Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.

  • Ferritin, CBC and transferrin saturation check iron statusRestoring ferritin to 70–100 ng/mL reduced shedding scores by 50 % in a randomised trial.
  • TSH, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies screen for thyroiditisEarly detection allows timely levothyroxine in the 3–5 % who evolve into permanent hypothyroidism.
  • 25-Hydroxy-vitamin D below 20 ng/mL doubles telogen riskSimple supplementation corrected deficiency and improved hair density in 12 weeks.
  • Topical minoxidil may be offered for prolonged telogenLow-dose 2 % solution is considered safe during breastfeeding, but always discuss with your prescribing clinician.
  • Most shedding begins near 3 months and should calm within a yearPhysiologic postpartum telogen typically starts around the 3-month mark and is expected to resolve by 12 months; continued loss beyond that window is a cue to order targeted labs. (MMPT)
  • About 40–50 % of mothers experience noticeable postpartum hair lossThe American Pregnancy Association reports that nearly half of women see increased shedding, highlighting how common the condition is even though only a minority require extensive testing. (TheBump)

References

How can Eureka’s AI doctor guide new mothers with postpartum hair loss?

Eureka’s AI doctor chats in plain language, asks focused questions about your shedding pattern, diet and symptoms, and suggests next steps. “Many mothers feel heard for the first time when the app summarises their concerns into an actionable plan,” reports the team at Eureka Health.

  • Personalised risk assessment within minutesThe AI flags red-flag features like patchy loss or systemic symptoms and advises whether to seek in-person care quickly.
  • Lab recommendations tailored to breastfeeding statusIf risk factors are present, the app suggests ferritin or thyroid panels that a human clinician can approve.
  • Evidence-based hair care tipsYou receive a checklist covering protein intake, iron-rich foods and gentle styling techniques backed by recent studies.

Why mothers rate Eureka’s AI doctor highly for hair and hormone concerns

Women using Eureka for postpartum issues give the app an average rating of 4.8 / 5 stars, citing convenience and privacy. “The AI never dismisses my worries—it gives clear next steps I can act on right away,” shares one user.

  • Safe space for sensitive questionsYou can ask about hormone changes, body image or breastfeeding without feeling rushed or judged.
  • 24 / 7 access aligns with newborn schedulesMiddle-of-the-night shedding worries can be addressed instantly instead of waiting for office hours.
  • Seamless follow-up trackingThe app logs daily shedding, dietary changes and mood, helping you and your clinician see trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does pumping instead of nursing change the hair-loss timeline?

Current data find no difference; hormone levels depend mainly on breastfeeding frequency, not whether milk is expressed or taken directly.

Will cutting my hair short reduce shedding?

It won’t change follicle cycling, but shorter hair strands make daily shedding less noticeable and reduce tangling and breakage.

Is collagen powder helpful for postpartum hair?

High-quality trials are lacking, but collagen adds extra protein; ensure you meet overall protein goals before buying supplements.

Can I color my hair while it is shedding?

Yes, but choose ammonia-free dyes and deep-condition afterwards; chemical damage worsens breakage though it does not affect root shedding.

When should I see a dermatologist versus my OB-GYN?

See a dermatologist if you notice bald patches, scalp inflammation, or shedding beyond 12 months; your OB-GYN can order initial labs before referral.

Will another pregnancy reset my hair cycle?

Hair often thickens again during pregnancy due to rising estrogen, but another postpartum shedding phase will follow after delivery.

Does postpartum telogen effluvium affect eyebrow or eyelash hair?

Rarely; the condition primarily affects scalp hair. Loss of brows or lashes suggests another diagnosis like alopecia areata or thyroid disease.

Could a low-carb diet worsen hair loss?

Possibly—restrictive diets may limit calories, iron and B-vitamins needed for growth, so track nutrient intake carefully.

Is there any proven role for essential oils?

Small studies on rosemary oil show modest gains, but data are preliminary and oils can irritate the scalp if not properly diluted.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical recommendations.

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