Postpartum hair loss is associated with anxiety

This study examined the relationship between postpartum hair loss and psychological symptoms.

This questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study included postpartum women who had delivered at two facilities and completed the questionnaire 10-18 months after delivery. Study protocols were sent by mail in two parts. Baseline characteristics and information regarding the pregnancy, delivery, childcare, and postpartum hair loss were obtained via a questionnaire. Psychological symptoms were assessed via the Whooley Questions, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Participants were divided into two groups based on psychological symptoms. Multivariate analyses were performed.

In total, 331 responses were analyzed. Women with very much hair loss felt significantly more anxious than those with no postpartum hair loss, as reported on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item anxiety subscale (odds ratio: 4.47). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that primiparity, greater amount of postpartum hair loss, and higher Athens Insomnia Scale scores were predictors of Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item anxiety. Adjusted odds ratio of having anxiety among those with very much postpartum hair loss was 4.58 (95% confidence interval, 1.18-17.74) compared to those with no postpartum hair loss.

A greater amount of postpartum hair loss was independently associated with postpartum anxiety on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item.