Runners, when I run too much my hair falls out - why? And what do I do?

OregonRunner5

Runners and none runners, when I start losing weight and up my workout schedule my hair falls out.

I drink protein recovery shakes, eat boiled eggs and have a solid balanced diet without food avoidance. I usually eat 1500-2100 calories per day. Moderate runner of 25 miles per week with cross training and flexibility at the moment. Curious why this happens. I went from a regular rubber band pony tail holder wrapped twice to one of the itty bitty rubber bands (for small children) wrapped twice, and sometimes 3 times. My hair is frizzy so it doesn't look as thin as it is, but as I stared at the pile of hair in the shower this morning I kinda thought maybe I should investigate.

Maybe I can do a sexy Next Gen Picard look here really soon, 'Make it So' I think bald is pretty sexy, but not sure I have the face to pull it off.

(I'm allergic to most multi-vitamins, but bought some Biotin, but my hair is still falling out...)

Last time I got into good shape the same thing happened, but then I got divorced, started a new job, moved...yadda yadda...no more time for running. Thanks everyone -- have a great day!

capaul42

Have you talked to your doctor?

jgnatca

How long are your runs? The body shuts down non-essentials when it is under stress. Hair, nails, and periods are considered non essentials.

I think your body is trying to tell you something.

ReaderGirl3

I experienced hair loss when I experimented with a vegetarian woe a while back, but I was eating very low fat. Could that be an issue? Otherwise certain medications can cause hair loss. Have you recently started any new prescriptions?

Enjcg5

This is interesting.

RosieRose7673

I would talk to your doctor. I've never had that happen due to running. However, I do second the medication possibility. I've lost hair due to certain medications before.

girlwithcurls2

Given your distance running, I would see a doctor. This doesn't sound like it can be attributed to running 25miles a week.

irenehb

The 2 times I have lost excessive hair has been when my diet was low in fat. Could this be an issue for you?

upoffthemat

Has something else changed in your nutrition recently? Are you missing fat or other vitamins/minerals possibly? Maybe even taking a good multivitamin.
I would second talking to a doctor

kshama2001

Have your iron levels been tested recently? I'm anemic and lose hair when it's untreated, which includes taking cheap forms of iron that do nothing for me. I'm taking Iron Bisglycinate now.

The VA had given me two presumably cheap forms of iron that did not prevent hair loss and fatigue.

SWellz

Did you make any other changes? Did you switch birth controls? Did you change shampoos? Are you showering/washing your hair more frequently?

VioletRojo

I've only had my hair fall out when I was low in certain nutrients: D, B12, and iron. If I were you, I'd see a doctor.

RodaRose

How many pounds a week are you losing?

Jacean2016

I'm much older, but this happened to me when I lost weight. I am absolutely certain it was low fat. Back on the butter, thick frizzy/wavy hair again and just the odd strand lost during combing, brushing.

blues4miles

Because you are running more, are you showering/washing your hair more? Brushing your hair more? I lose a lot of hair all the time, it doesn't seem to be thinning though. It's more obvious when I'm doing stuff with it or showering.

cassique

Definitely see a doctor. Another idea might be that you are wearing your hair back with elastic bands more frequently when you run which can lead to breakage. But first rule out medical issues/dietary issues.

OregonRunner5

I do eat pretty low fat, or at least I don't get a well rounded range of fats. That might be the ticket.

I think I might live in the area where Malpractice goes to retire because I've had horrible experiences with the local doctors.

robininfl

Not enough fat in the diet, maybe, i know people who got bad hair and skin problems from too low fat, but also please go to the doctor as thyroid trouble can cause hair loss and weight gain, and a lot worse stuff than that.

mikngayaq

Have you had your thyroid tested?

lorrpb

Is the hair falling out of your head leaving bald spots, or are the rubber bands breaking it off mid-shaft? Big difference. If you think the first one, then see doc because it's not directly related to running.

AnnPT77

You mentioned protein, but I didn't notice (I skimmed the answers) where you said how much you target. I lost quite a bit of hair when I reduced my protein intake sharply (a lot of years ago now). Beyond that, I second the doctor (and/or registered dietitian) idea.

Gamliela

I've lost hair in patches a few times. It had nothing to do with what I was eating, my weight or calorie intake.

Stress did it.

jgnatca

Keep in mind with hair and nails it takes a few weeks to show up. So think back to any changes you made a few weeks to a month ago.

OregonRunner5

Yes, I'm getting thin spots on my scalp (see in photo how I have a hair band, the front is thin and I try to hide it...) About 8 months ago I became Vegetarian because I don't digest meat too well, but three weeks ago I abandoned it because I also had insomnia and health issues and thought maybe protien was an issue (added a few supplements, some meat occasionally, and now sleep okay and feel better.) Three months ago I started making a concious effort to have protein in every meal, but I don't log how much per day or anything. My day is usually like

Morning: boiled egg, coffee, banana or something
Workout
After: double protein shake, 1 helping of Biochem whey vanilla, 1 helping of natural whey protein Biochem
Supplements: L-Glutamine, BCAA, Magnesium
Lunch: 4oz thin strip steak on top of a big salad with avocado, either a yogurt dressing or balsamic vinegar dressing
Dinner: I cook for the family, could be a crowd pleaser like tacos or potato soup or something
Walk
Snacks -- (sometimes I have a Coke, luna bar, egg, fruit or giant bowl of ice cream)

I do have to avoid FODMAPs - mostly - I sneak in some wheat and onions - I have IBS. I had my thryoid tested extensively about a year and a half ago but my doctor didn't find anything. I have a CBC pulled at least every six months because of decreased kidney function. I have a lot of difficulties with severe fatigue but it has gotten better this year with the exercise and weight loss. My weight loss has been very gradual. I think in the last six months I've lost five pounds or so.

I've used Henna on my hair for two years.

I do have some dermatitis spots on the back of my head, I think from sweat and not getting my hair washed out quickly enough after workouts. There are no dermatitis itchy spots on the front of my head though or on the sides. The hair loss predates the itchy dermatitis spots.

Can't afford to go in to a clinic right now...last time I quit exercising and stuff, gained back a ton of weight and the hair grew back, but I'm happier not so heavy and I like being active

MarziPanda95

If it's in spots, it's probably Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disease (your immune system attacking your hair). I've had it since I was 8. With this, it can definitely come and go - I've been bald, had full head of hair, had just bald spots, all at various points of my life. 80% of patients with adult onset Areata regrow within a year or two and many never have a occurrence, but many do. It can be triggered by a lot of things... stress, diet, illness, etc. General thinning over the whole head is more likely to be Androgenic Alopecia - female pattern baldness, caused by hormones. This is rarer than male pattern baldness, but essentially the same thing.

AlphaHowls

I have lost some hair, more this year than any other, but mine, I think is related too surgery (surgeries). I have had 5 surgeries in 6 years and the anesthesia is taking its toll.

I do not wear the rubber bands. Beautician says that is bad. I use the scrunchies with the fabric over the elastic. I have had thin/fine hair since the day I was born and it does break easily.

OregonRunner5

Honestly wouldn't be able to find a scrunchy to fit at this point unless they make them for wee children, but I'll take the advice and try to find something other than a rubber band, thanks!

@MarziPanda95 that makes a lot of sense because of the stress of working out a lot, working on eating better etc. Thanks for the info!!

positivepowers

This is a dermatology question.

kshama2001

(Formerly) not eating meat + not focusing on protein + hair loss + fatigue = sounds like low iron to me. Do you have heavy periods as well?

I'm anemic and have to supplement aggressively to get my iron levels up to low normal but I really think you should get tested.

BTW, hair loss usually starts a few months after the event that precipitated it.

Lounmoun

I'd run to a doctor.

heyyoutoo

I have hair loss that sounds similar. Google Telogen Effluvium, that's what my dermatologist diagnosed. He said to take Biotin and it has helped me. He also recommended men's Rogaine (I'm a woman, but the men's product is stronger he said. I didn't take this advice).

Interesting method of diagnosing: he yanked about a one inch square piece if my hair, and if more than ten or so hairs came out, and if they had the little bulb at the root end, it was TE. (He also ordered a large number of blood tests to rule out other causes.)

When you research TE you will see a number of possible causes and suggested supplements than can help. Dermo also said, of all the Effluviums, this is the one you want because it can be reversed. Mine filled back in quite well, I hope you can reverse your hair loss too. Good luck to you. Seeing a Dermo would be a good thing to do.