hair loss

[lowcarbmommy]

Just wondering if anyone lost hair while on atkins? Last year I lost 25lbs doing atkins and noticed every time I washed my hair in the shower, the drain would be completly clogged with hair. I did notice my hair a little thinner and it freaked me out. This lasted about 3 months. I have since gained about 10lbs back and would like to start induction again but i am very nervous about losing hair again!!! Not sure if it was from atkins or just losing weight rapidly?

[Nicole222]

Re: hair loss

I have also been losing a lot more hair than usual. I have lost a total of 27lbs so far on the diet. I don't know why this happens, but just to let you know your not alone.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: hair loss

Losing hair can happen on any diet. It's also natural to go through periodic phases of shedding hair.

Were you eating all your vegetables? Were you taking a multi-vitamin? Were you eating enough calories and carbs? Were you skipping meals?

Losing hair can come from reducing your metabolism ... putting your body in starvation mode.

Some supplements that might help include biotin or lecithin.

Obviously, if it's excessive, you should consult your doctor.

[Georgiana]

Re: hair loss

Losing hair can come from reducing your metabolism ... putting your body in starvation mode.

This is a blog entry written by Dr. Eades about starvation (in the context of Kimkins) and hair loss: Hair loss and Kimkins | The Blog of Michael R. Eades, M.D.

[Sheepie]

Re: hair loss

It happened to me last time and I'm not looking forward to it this time. I tried lecithin last time, but it didn't help me.

[WetBanana]

Re: hair loss

My mom had gastric bypass surgery - her Dr.'s advised her that hair loss was attributed to not enough protein. I'm sure it was a combination of her body starving itself and lack of protein. She'll be coming up to her 2 year anniversary in June and her hair is thickening out again...not as thick as it used to be before, but not as thin as it was where I could see the outline of her scalp.

Yet another reason I won't go that route...

[soon2bslim]

Re: hair loss

Hairloss is also a common Thyroid related symptom. If you are on Thyroid medication (and even if you are not) you may want to ask your doctor to check relevant levels in your blood. Birth Control pills and some high blood pressure drugs are also linked to this. Here is a link w/ some very general info, maybe it will shed some light on your situation. All the best!

Hair Loss and Its Causes -- familydoctor.org

[warmsummerfall]

Re: hair loss

I also lost hair when I started Atkins but I also was going through an extremely stressful time in my life. So Im thinking it was possibly a combination of both.

[Whatsername]

Re: hair loss

I have hair loss too. I am on meds that might cause hair loss also, so not sure that Atkins is to blame. I started biotin about a month ago...hoping that might make a difference.

In the meantime, I have played around with a lot of different hair products to find something that gives my hair some volume. Its a challenge because it looks so thin (and is fine to begin with). Its curly (and has lots of "cowlicks") which is its own challenge. With volume, I get frizz but at least it reduces the obvious thin patches.

Interesting links posted..thanks for sharing.

Jane

[jcapulet]

Re: hair loss

The first time I did Atkins (15 years ago), the exact same happened to me. However, I was doing it wrong-I ate ALL meats/fats and zero carbs. I had clumps and clumps fall out in the shower, and my scalp was so painful that I had to cut my hair short.

Trying it again, a few years ago -and most recently a few months ago (yes, I'm a STAC member )- I did it the right way with veggies, the way Dr. Atkins said to do it. I have also progressed up to the berry rung. My hair is okay and I don't have tons falling out. A little, but not like before. I'm losing weight slowly, but surely.

I don't know if the circumstances are the same with you, but I wanted to pass my story along. Some hair loss at the beginning is normal while your body adjusts, but it grows back. And please make sure you're following this way of eating according to the methods Dr. Atkins has expressed in his book.

[adreliluc]

Re: hair loss

I lost hair my first run too...
It stopped after a few months, it is a little scary at the time though! lol.

I made sure to eat enough calories, take my vitamins - including lots of Biotin - and drank lots of water...
It seemed to help...

[lady_buttmunch]

Re: hair loss

I started atkins on 10/26... my hair was thinning to begin with. My hair use to be so thick and long as a child and as I got older it began thinning out alot!!! Anyway, I would shower and clumps would fall out. Turns out my Hormones were all jacked up... Now on atkins and I have started taking multivitamins with an extra 5000 mg of Biotin... my hair is still thin, BUT when I wash it I don't get clumps of hair falling out. SO I beleive the Biotin and Vitamins are doing something.