Hair loss started happening

Hi everyone,

I'm in a little predicament, I've just started to realise my hair has thinned from the top of my head today. I have lost 19lbs before over 4-5 months and my hair had no changes, my diet was not as good as it is now - I have been eating chicken, fish with roast potatoes and vegetables for most of my lunches, the only issue I can think of is not getting enough calories?

My calorie intake has been low I think and I have had a sudden feel of change within my clothing - meaning I've only noticed that my weight has dramatically dropped due to my clothing.

I think it has just started so is there any advice?

I am going to go home and take a blood test too just to be on the safe side but am not experiencing any other symptoms or am not on any hormone control either.

Replies

  • did you happen to change or stop birth control pills? when i stopped the pill, i would cry as i brushed my hair as it was constantly falling out.
  • Jkn922
    Jkn922 Posts: 74
    I've never been on the pill

    My hair hasn't started falling out exactly, I've noticed it's started to thin from the top when I part it.

    I think the main cause is due to lack of calories than lack of protein as I've cleaned up my diet much better than before.
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    How many calories are you eating? Hair loss is a common symptom of malnutrion and not eating enough....
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    I've read people have seen the same side effect with medifast meals, which limit you to 800-900 calories each day. You don't need to starve your body to lose weight.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    Well, your diary is closed. It could be too few calories. Too little fat or protein could also be a factor.
  • twixlepennie
    twixlepennie Posts: 1,074 Member
    Low calories and low fat can both cause this to happen. When I experimented in a vegan/meat and dairy free diet a while back I was eating almost no fat-hair started falling out like crazy. Even my hair stylist commented on it. Then my monthly cycle got all messed up. Got away from eating that way and upped my fat intake. Everything is normal again and hair loss has stopped.
  • Jkn922
    Jkn922 Posts: 74
    I definitely don't aim to starve myself - I genuinely don't feel hungry but am going to up the intake big time. I have no idea what I weigh but I'm happy with what I've lost so I think I'm going to focus on fulfilling the calories and doing exercise to keep fit.

    How long till you realised the hair started to grow back? I'm way concerned for my health than weight loss - that can take a backseat now.
  • Eleonora91
    Eleonora91 Posts: 688 Member
    Are you sure it has anything to do with your weightloss? I've been losing weight for 1,5 years, and I already started losing hair when I was 17 years old. Now, 5 years later, I got diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia from my doctor, we're trying some things out but for some it's just genetics. Get some blood tests done to understand if you're lacking some nutrients (such as iron) and if nothing shows up go to a specialist.
  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    Well, your diary is closed. It could be too few calories. Too little fat or protein could also be a factor.

    This.
  • Jkn922
    Jkn922 Posts: 74
    My diary says I've been eating in the range of 800-1200 calories for the past two weeks...

    I think it is low calorie deficit.
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    You think it, your diary says it is, so why are you still doing it?
  • If you haven't as of yet, have your thyroid checked.
  • grillnchill
    grillnchill Posts: 772 Member
    A range of things can cause hair thinning. From genetics, illnesses, bad diet to hormone imbalance.

    If you're not eating enough you're probably not getting enough daily nutrients. Are you at least taking a multivitamin? If not it certainly will not hurt.

    I can't imagine living off 800-1200 calories a day with an active lifestyle. *shudders at the thought*
  • Jkn922
    Jkn922 Posts: 74
    You think it, your diary says it is, so why are you still doing it?

    What's with the attitude? I noticed it took an effect on my body YESTERDAY. I've eaten over 1600cal today...
  • Jkn922
    Jkn922 Posts: 74
    A range of things can cause hair thinning. From genetics, illnesses, bad diet to hormone imbalance.

    If you're not eating enough you're probably not getting enough daily nutrients. Are you at least taking a multivitamin? If not it certainly will not hurt.

    I can't imagine living off 800-1200 calories a day with an active lifestyle. *shudders at the thought*

    Thanks, I'll get my thyroid checked at home but I don't have any of the symptoms. My hair thinning isnt as bad as I thought. I genuinely don't get very hungry and I've been busy with my work but am making serious effort to eat 1500cal minimum per day,. I never tried to starve myself or anything I care about my health the most. I only noticed yesterday and have been making changes.
  • kowajenn
    kowajenn Posts: 274 Member
    Eat more fat.
  • Your libido might be a bit low due to the fact you're losing alot of weight.
    It can be due to hormone imbalance or genetics.

    Try taking multi-vitamins and increase your fat intake.

    Good luck!
  • Jennisin1
    Jennisin1 Posts: 574 Member
    eat more...

    whew, that was hard.
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    Your libido might be a bit low due to the fact you're losing alot of weight.
    It can be due to hormone imbalance or genetics.

    Try taking multi-vitamins and increase your fat intake.

    Good luck!

    What? I see no mention of libido issues? Just hair thinning. Where did this come from?
  • Jkn922
    Jkn922 Posts: 74
    eat more...

    whew, that was hard.

    Sarcasm isn't needed thanks.

    I wanted to know why it happens and see if anyone else went through it too, yes I have looked at various threads concerning the same topic but wanted to see more suggestions.
  • bumblebreezy91
    bumblebreezy91 Posts: 520 Member
    Just to clarify: are you saying you're eating those foods for lunch and then nothing else for the day?

    I'm sure it's been mentioned, but malnutrition does that to your hair. Also, are you underweight?
  • Jkn922
    Jkn922 Posts: 74
    Just to clarify: are you saying you're eating those foods for lunch and then nothing else for the day?

    I'm sure it's been mentioned, but malnutrition does that to your hair. Also, are you underweight?

    Usually I have a small bowl of cereal like maybe 2 handfuls, cup of tea, chicken with roast potatoes and vegetables - small portions too and for dinner I usually have toasted sandwich - 2 bread toasted with chicken roll slice.

    I don't know what I weigh at the minute, I'm assuming I'm 140lbs now or less. My goal was 135lbs
  • Jkn922
    Jkn922 Posts: 74
    I've been eating over 1500 calories for the past two days (I know it's a very short period of time) but what happens next? Does my hair start to grow back after the trigger has been removed? I've added a lot of lean meat and vegetables into my diet in bigger portions.