Stressing about hair loss!!!!

[adreliluc]

Over the last few months I’ve noticed that my hair has really started falling out. I wasn’t too worried about at first but now my hair has gotten so thin and it just keeps coming out! The more I lose the more nervous I get which I’ve read can make it worse… I went to the doc when it first started and he ran some tests and everything came back normal…

Is this happening to anyone else? Does this have to do with Atkins?

I’ve been taking Biotin but I haven’t noticed any difference at all. I’ve read different things on Biotin. I’ve read that it has no effect what so ever on the growth of your hair but that it does make it shinier and softer. I’ve also read that it does help hair growth. If anybody has used this or if you have any ideas at all I’d like to hear what you have to say!

[Dash Riprock]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

There is such a thing as female pattern baldness but unlike men where it happens in certain areas it happens all over the head for women. In other words the hair thins out all over. That might be the problem.
And for some reason women will also have some thinning or loss around the temples and I can't remember why for some reason. It's not like I haven't been a hair stylist forever.

[not2late]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

Any type of stress can make your hair fall out. If you had major surgery, your hair can fall out. If you're getting a divorce and are under alot of emotional stress, your hair can fall out. It usually takes about 6 month from the time of the stressor to the hair loss.

There is also a natural life cycle to hair. So hair loss can also be due to that.

As for nutritional supplements....just make sure you are eating a variety of vegetables and protein during your Atkins. And be sure to take your multivitamin like you've been doing since you began the diet.

[rox4jc]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

I remember reading something about Candida and hair loss. There are so many things that candida causes, and I think that hair loss was among that list. Shifting hormones cause it too. I lost a load of hair after having kids. Hope that you get to the bottom of it, whatever it is!

[Smallerizing]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

It is normal for any significant weight loss to have hair fall out.


It happened to me first time around after about 20 lbs. I was told then that others had experienced it, and it will come back thicker. Mine stopped falling out and went back to "normal thin" but surely didn't get thicker.

Good luck with yours, remember it's a temporary but common problem at worst. I got a new "do" after 50 lbs and got lots of good comments! Treat yourself to something non-food, and hang in there (though your hair isn't) because you are doing your body a big favor.

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

This happened to me when I started almost 5 years ago. It is temporary and will pass. In the meantime, keep up with your Biotin (I take 5 mg), and maybe you should talk with your doctor about 5% Minoxidil? It works so well that many dermatologists recommend this as a hair thickener for women who aren't even experiencing hair loss to begin with! Something to consider. Hang in there.

[Thinker]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

This happened to me when I started almost 5 years ago. It is temporary and will pass. In the meantime, keep up with your Biotin (I take 5 mg), and maybe you should talk with your doctor about 5% Minoxidil? It works so well that many dermatologists recommend this as a hair thickener for women who aren't even experiencing hair loss to begin with! Something to consider. Hang in there.

Really? When I first started out with this (100lbs down) I thought that my hair was actually growing back!! Now I know that sounds nutty - but it is true. Incidentally - not much. I didn't experience anything like hair loss ...at all.

I did experience hair loss many years ago when, in a 4 month period, my father died-I started law school-and my daughter was born. That'll take hair off you pretty quickly!!

Best of Luck!!

[adreliluc]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

Thanks for the responses guys! I don't know if it's stress related or weight loss related... but it's very scary to see your hair fall out. My hubby keeps telling me to relax and that he'll buy me a really pretty wig... lol. I tell him he's a sweetheart but my bald head would probably gross him out lol...
Sheila I will definitely look into the Minoxidil!!! Thanks for the tip!
My hair has always been my one beaty and I'm very sad to see it go!

[Atkid]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

I too went through that and I think it is getting better. I used to have so thick of her that hairdressers would joke saying they should charge me double for a haircut. But then it started coming out in handfuls and when you have long hair it looks like even more. But like I said I think it is slacking up. Don't worry, another thing that might make you feel better (like it did me) is to look up at your front hairline and you will see shorter hairs where new hair is going in, as long as you see new growth you are okay.
Hugs!

[adreliluc]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

I too went through that and I think it is getting better. I used to have so thick of her that hairdressers would joke saying they should charge me double for a haircut. But then it started coming out in handfuls and when you have long hair it looks like even more. But like I said I think it is slacking up. Don't worry, another thing that might make you feel better (like it did me) is to look up at your front hairline and you will see shorter hairs where new hair is going in, as long as you see new growth you are okay.
Hugs!

That's true I do see shorter hairs... a lot actually... but they don't seem to be doing much lol...
I'm glad to hear that your hair loss is getting better!! I hope the same will happen for me, and soon!!

[iyamamaschke]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

An electrolite imbalance will cause hair loss you may want to try Taking Potassium and see if that helps.

Sarah

[Duinai]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

I lost tons of hair during my first 3-4-5 month on Atkins. It was scary. I was taking Biotin twice a day. It IS a temporary event, it will go away. But yes, I know, it is disturbing




Dui

[adreliluc]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

I didn't even think about electrolites... I've been thinking about taking potasium because of leg cramps... maybe that will help!
Anybody know how much biotin is safe to take? I'm currently taking 1000mcgs once a day... think it'd be ok to double my dose?

[iyamamaschke]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

I'm not sure on the Biotin but I actually came accross and article a while back that Potassium deficiency causes hair loss so it's worth a try Why not. I take it now and I feel better then ever!!!

Sarah

[iyamamaschke]

Re: Stressing about hair loss!!!!

I thought you might find this Useful

Healthy Hair Minerals

• Calcium - Essential for healthy hair growth. Food sources: Dairy, tofu, fish, nuts, brewer's yeast, beans, lentils and sesame seeds. Daily dose: Up to 1,500 mg. Warnings: Too much calcium can inhibit the absorption of zinc and iron; An acid found in chocolate can inhibit calcium absorption.
• Chromium - Helps prevent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, both of which can cause hair loss.. Food sources: Brewer's yeast, liver, beef and whole wheat bread. Daily dose: Up to 120 mg. Warnings: People who are allergic to yeast should not take chromium supplements.
• Copper - Helps prevent hair loss as well as defects in hair color and structure. Food sources: Shellfish, liver, green vegetables, whole grains, eggs, chicken and beans. Daily dose: Up to 3 mg. Warnings: High levels can lead to dry hair, hair loss and sever health problems.
• Iodine - Helps regulate thyroid hormones and prevents dry hair and hair loss. Food sources: Fish, seaweed, kelp, iodized salt, garlic. Daily dose: 150 mcg.
• Iron - Prevents anemia and hair loss. Food sources: Liver, eggs, fish, chicken, whole grains, green vegetables and dried fruits. Daily dose: 15 mg. Warnings: Too much can lead to malfunctions of the liver and spleen.
• Magnesium - Works with calcium to promote healthy hair growth. Food sources: Green vegetables, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts, soy beans, chickpeas and fish. Daily dose: 280 mg.
• Manganese - Prevents slow hair growth. Food sources: Whole grain cereals, eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, beans, peas, fish, meat and chicken. Daily dose: 3-9 mg.
• Potassium - Regulates circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. Food sources: Avocados, bananas, lima beans, brown rice, dates, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, yams and yogurt. Daily dose: 3,500 mg.
• Selenium - Keeps skin and scalp supple and elastic. Food souces: Brewer's yeast, meat, fish, grains, tuna and broccoli. Daily dose: 55 mcg. Warnings: An excess of Selenium can be toxic, leading to the loss of hair, nails and teeth.
• Silica - Strengthens hair and prevents hair loss. Food sources: Seafood, rice, soybeans, green vegetables. Daily dose: 55 mcg. Warnings: An excess of Selenium can be toxic, leading to the loss of hair, nails and teeth.
• Sulfur (methyl-sulfonyl-methane or MSM) - Sulfur is a main component to hair's structure. Food sources: Onions, garlic, eggs, asparagus, meat, fish and dairy products. Daily dose: 1-3 g.
• Zinc - Zinc and Vitamin A work together; a deficiency in either can lead to dry hair and oily skin. Food sources: Spinach, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, whole grains, red meat and brewer's yeast. Daily dose: 12 mg. Warnings: Too much can interfere with iron absorption.