Period/Hair Loss Questions... a bit TMI

Hey MFP,

Lately I have not had much of a period. I am a young female that has been mostly cutting but occasionally bulking since last June. I'm on a high fat/protein, low carb diet. As of yesterday I am focusing on gaining lbm.

On the 17th of August I was supposed to get my period, and I got a very mildly orange-tinted discharge one evening, changed the liner, and that was all there was. The cycle before, I had spotting or moderate tinting for 3-5 days. It's probably been like that for two-ish cycles... so since April or May I believe. I am expecting again I think on the 14th so I can maybe wait it out and see?

I exercise 6x a week... otherwise stress is pretty low, I think. I take a multi-vitamin (generic brand but nearly identical to Women's One A Day), sleep is ok (10:30pm-6:30am usually). My wounds are slow to heal but that's been normal since I started dieting/exercising.

Also, I have fine semi-curly hair and I tend to shed a lot, which is normal? I use anti-breakage shampoo that has helped but I'm still pulling out quite a bit of hair when I'm lathering or massaging. Do you guys experience this?

Diary code is 6784 if you want to take a look. Thanks for the help!

Replies

  • I see these questions time and time again. Just be prepared for the sarcastic responses.
  • gigglybeth
    gigglybeth Posts: 365 Member
    Have you ever had your thyroid checked? Period irregularities and hair loss are symptoms of thyroid conditions.

    But if you've increased your workouts significantly or changed your diet quite a bit that can also effect your cycles. If you're super concerned I'd talk to your doctor.
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    Go to a doctor.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,454 Member
    How many calories a day have you been eating for the last three months?

    How much do you weigh?


    NM. Go to the doctor.

    Just be aware that undereating/overexercising will affect thyroid and other hormones. Get it checked out.
  • RubyRunner14
    RubyRunner14 Posts: 148 Member
    Thanks for the replies. I knew diet/exercise schedule produces changes and such but I guess a thyroid check is due after all.
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    Hey MFP,

    Lately I have not had much of a period. I am a young female that has been mostly cutting but occasionally bulking since last June. I'm on a high fat/protein, low carb diet. As of yesterday I am focusing on gaining lbm.

    On the 17th of August I was supposed to get my period, and I got a very mildly orange-tinted discharge one evening, changed the liner, and that was all there was. The cycle before, I had spotting or moderate tinting for 3-5 days. It's probably been like that for two-ish cycles... so since April or May I believe. I am expecting again I think on the 14th so I can maybe wait it out and see?

    I exercise 6x a week... otherwise stress is pretty low, I think. I take a multi-vitamin (generic brand but nearly identical to Women's One A Day), sleep is ok (10:30pm-6:30am usually). My wounds are slow to heal but that's been normal since I started dieting/exercising.

    Also, I have fine semi-curly hair and I tend to shed a lot, which is normal? I use anti-breakage shampoo that has helped but I'm still pulling out quite a bit of hair when I'm lathering or massaging. Do you guys experience this?

    Diary code is 6784 if you want to take a look. Thanks for the help!

    Do you have high blood sugars?....I had a great deal of excessive shedding (not breakage, that's a different issue altogether) I have wavy/curly hair as well so that means dryness is what I battle. I didn't know I was in the diabetic range and had slow healing cuts/small injuries (ex: took up to 3 months to heal completely from a skinned knee, the scab didn't fall off till well after 4 wks and the injured area stayed dry & excessively itchy for the remainder of the time). I'd also experienced some massive changes in my monthly cycle.

    I was subclinical for a long time and experienced a lot of these little odds & ends that I never connected together....I would see a doctor because it sounds like hormones could be a bit off, whether it's due to diet or an underlying issue is for your doctor to rule out :drinker: Hope all goes well.
  • morielia
    morielia Posts: 169 Member
    See an endocrinologist. I haven't had a period for the past 8 years, and my doctors are still trying to figure out what's wrong with me. Slow-healing wounds can be indicative of Cushing's, for example, or any other number of blood or hormone disorders (but Cushing's has a number of other physical clinical symptoms like moon face and buffalo hump). Either way, the endo is the person you want.

    And yes, shedding a lot with curly hair is totally normal. If you're not losing enough to see any bald spots or anything, you're fine. If you are. an endocrinologist would be the first person you'd go see.
  • MelissaPhippsFeagins
    MelissaPhippsFeagins Posts: 8,063 Member
    Not to scare you, but you need to see a doctor. Those are symptoms of thyroid issues and diabetes as well as autoimmune diseases. It's also possible that you are pregnant, but my guess is you've checked that already. I would have in your shoes. :-)
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    I see these questions time and time again. Just be prepared for the sarcastic responses.

    Well that was helpful :noway:

    Hi op

    I did look at your diary and to be honest the only issue I see with it is that it hasn't been very varied recently, so you may be missing out on some nutrients.

    I agree with others that you should go and see your doctor, but also could you be pregnant? Have to ask due to your symptoms.
  • 2aycocks
    2aycocks Posts: 415 Member
    Go to a doctor.

    Yes. Especially if you are losing clumps or strands of hair. Something isn't right.