Clumps of hair in the shower drain. Hair all over your sweater. Hair wrapped around your baby's fingers. Is postpartum hair loss normal, or is your body trying to tell you something?

In this episode, Val breaks down what's really behind postpartum hair loss. She explains how the big estrogen drop after birth works like a "mini menopause," and how it affects not just your hair, but your skin, bones, and more. You'll learn why it's not just your sex hormones, and why your thyroid and nutrient status, especially iron, matter just as much.

Val also shares an anonymous client story: a momma who was exhausted, losing hair in clumps, and taking a pile of supplements that weren't helping. After the right bloodwork, a simplified supplement plan, and real food, her energy and hair started to turn around within a few months.

Functional Lab Review: Stop guessing. Val orders and reviews your bloodwork, tells you exactly what to ask your doctor, reviews your food logs to see your real nutrient status, and builds a realistic, food-first plan with smart, strategic supplements. Learn more at wellnessbyval.com/labs.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How the hair growth cycle works, and why shedding shows up months after baby
• Why the postpartum estrogen drop is like a mini menopause, and how it affects your hair, skin, and bones
• How postpartum thyroiditis works, and why "just TSH" isn't enough
• The new ferritin guidelines for iron deficiency, and why so many moms are told their iron is "fine"
• The postpartum hair loss timeline: when it starts, peaks, and stops
• Normal shedding vs. red flags that mean it's time to get labs
• The nutrients that feed your hair and thyroid (protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, selenium, iodine) and realistic food sources
• Why biotin and hair gummies are often a waste of money, and the smart strategy for taking iron

Mentioned in this episode: Episode 119 | Postpartum Sex, Libido & Your Pelvic Floor with Lindsay Thorsen, DPT

Resources & Links

• Functional Lab Review: wellnessbyval.com/labs
• Book a free 15-minute consult call with Val: wellnessbyval.com/call
• Leave a voice message: speakpipe.com/newsletter
• Leave a voice message: speakpipe.com/newsletter
• Free Protein Guide: wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide
• Core Comeback Challenge: wellnessbyval.com/core

Connect with Val

• Instagram: @wellnessbyval_
• Website: wellnessbyval.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about breastfeeding, postpartum nutrition, or your individual health needs.