Dieting and Hair Loss

[EmilytheStrange]

Has anyone experienced hairloss while dieting? I've noticed that I've been losing a lot of hair...a lot more than usual. I have a lot of hair to begin with but I'm startled to see clumps coming off everyday when I shower. My eyelashes are also falling out. Could dieting (even if I'm taking multi-vitamins and EFAs daily) be a factor? I started dieting late February and this problem began about a month or so ago.

[Jypsie]

It could be your diet, however, you would need to be pretty deficient in something in order for it to be resulting in hair loss. Generally you only see that if someone is becoming malnourished. If you are supplementing your diet properly that should not be an issue. HOWEVER...you also started a thread about your hands being severely dry, correct? These are both symptoms of hypothyroidism. Please have your thyroid checked.

[EmilytheStrange]

Yes, my hands are severely dry...my skin is starting to crack and peel. Hypothyrodism...I'll have to do some research. Is this in any way associated with loss of menstruation? I haven't had a period since September 2005.

[JillD]

I experienced this when I lost a lot of weight quite quickly from being sick. I increased my EFA's and calories and it has been a lot better.

[ladybug]

are you taking any new meds? or were you taking any a couple months ago? hair loss usually occurs a month or two after the body has dealt with a new hormone/dug/toxin. unless you are severly restricting your calories I wouldn't think it was from diet alone.

[sweetpea_123]

I lost hair when I lost a lot of weight, but it never came out in clumps. I think you should see the doc as suggested by others.

[Jen]

check your EFA"s......are you getting enough?
sounds like you have been dieting a long time... have you done refeeds?
how much below maintenace are you?
how much cardio?

[EmilytheStrange]

Yeah, I'm going to have to see my doctor. I refeed weekly and I get plenty of good fats in my diet (although I must admit I sometimes forget to take all of my fish pills during the day). I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and get some bloodwork done...I'm just such a wuss when it comes to needles but oh well...I'll get over it. Thanks for all of your help! :)

[freckles]

Atta girl ;) You show that needle who's boss. Your health is way too important to be afraid of a blood test.

Do you track your calories and macro's or do you just guesstimate? If you aren't tracking there is always a chance you aren't eating as well as you think you are...

[hotgranny]

I've lost clumps of hair twice before. Mine my doctor told me was from extreme stress. Also then whenever I was stressed I couldn't eat. Now unfortunatly it's the opposite. Getting older kind of sucks!!! :mad:

[Jen]

Originally posted by EmilytheStrange@Jun 16 2006, 10:07 PM
Yeah, I'm going to have to see my doctor. I refeed weekly and I get plenty of good fats in my diet (although I must admit I sometimes forget to take all of my fish pills during the day). I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and get some bloodwork done...I'm just such a wuss when it comes to needles but oh well...I'll get over it. Thanks for all of your help! :)
let us know how it goes! hope things get figured out! sounds like your diet is alright with enough EFAS and refeeds...
wishing you the best

[EmilytheStrange]

Originally posted by freckles@Jun 16 2006, 03:19 PM
Atta girl ;) You show that needle who's boss. Your health is way too important to be afraid of a blood test.

Do you track your calories and macro's or do you just guesstimate? If you aren't tracking there is always a chance you aren't eating as well as you think you are...
I work with Thunder so I'm sure my macros/calories are ok. I was just trying to figure out what I had done differently recently that could cause hairloss & dry skin and dieting was the only thing I could think of. Perhaps there is no connection. But yes, I'll go see the doctor even though I'm such a :baby: .

[EmilytheStrange]

Originally posted by hotgranny@Jun 16 2006, 05:29 PM
I've lost clumps of hair twice before. Mine my doctor told me was from extreme stress. Also then whenever I was stressed I couldn't eat. Now unfortunatly it's the opposite. Getting older kind of sucks!!! :mad:
Yes, I was under a lot of stress recently. Aside from writing research papers, studying for finals, and having to move in with my in-laws for 2 months :suicide: while my house was being remodeled...it was definitely a stressful time. Maybe I'm experiencing the physical effects of all that now.