Hair Loss
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counting_kilojoules wrote: »I had my hair fall out from under-eating. For a while I was losing hair by the handful and then it started growing back again. It took ages though. (Or maybe just seemed to, it's kind of distressing!)
It seems to me, that both low carb and low fat is impossible. Whilst people with pcos often go low carb, not all do. And the bile duct blockages would seem like the more pressing issue. In my, absolutely unprofessional opinion, I'd try for a low fat diet at a reasonable deficit and see how you go for month. If you don't lose, lower the deficit a little, repeat etc.
Good Luck!
Thank you!0 -
One list of some potential nutritional causes:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
And one that says that a long-term high protein diet can impair over function (among other things), which suggests that might be something to think about. It doesn't, however, say what they consider long-term.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045293/0 -
kelley4avon wrote: »Hair loss can be attributable to undereating or malnutrition. You are eating a very restrictive diet. I certainly hope you are treating some pretty serious health issues by eating this way, otherwise I would suggest getting a second opinion.
It's been incredibly difficult. The doctor's don't want me eating carbs, not even brown rice, because I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. The gastro doctor wants me on low fat because of high liver enzymes and recurrent bile duct blockages. (Unbelievably painful!) The weight had been falling off, but I'm getting tired of egg whites.
You can have carbs even with PCOS. Depending on the person, they can shoot for 140g or less. But ultimately, dietary compliance is going to be hard if you dont have either carbs or fats. They are sources of fuel. Protein sucks as fuel. Add in low calorie and you have a bad recipe. They probably need to find some happy medium.
Did you GI tell you a range on fat or limit of where the fat comes from?
He didn't give me a range, but I see his PA on Tuesday. I felt silly worrying about something so superficial, but maybe my body is trying to tell me something. I really appreciate your advice.0 -
Athena98501 wrote: »One list of some potential causes:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
And one that says that a long-term high protein diet can impair over function (among other things), which suggests that might be something to think about. It doesn't, however, say what they consider long-term.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045293/
I'll read that. Thank you!1 -
kelley4avon wrote: »Athena98501 wrote: »One list of some potential causes:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
And one that says that a long-term high protein diet can impair over function (among other things), which suggests that might be something to think about. It doesn't, however, say what they consider long-term.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045293/
I'll read that. Thank you!
No problem. A full thyroid panel could be helpful as well, if you haven't had one recently.0 -
I lost a lot of hair towards the beginning of the year. This was caused by significant stress which also caused a loss in appetite and as a result, undereating. It has now started growing back again. Just eat at maintenance for a bit and then once you notice regrowth make slight calorie reductions and aim for slower weight loss. Losing your hair is just one symptom of undernourishment and that one is nowhere near as problematic as others, like brittle bones.1
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I second a full thyroid check too, Im shedding hair like mad due to hypothyroid (started meds in August due next bloods in couple of weeks no improvement in symptoms as yet) so is defo worth having it checked1
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@lizery: Spoken like a person who's not had doctor after doctor only offer cursory evaluations, and misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis. It's not an uncommon problem, and as with any vocation (mechanics, police/corrections officers, teachers, childcare providers, lawyers, counselors, etc), many put in too little effort to perform their job truly effectively, and some are going to be sub-par despite their best efforts.
No one questioned the Gastroenterologist's recommendation, but simply inquired as to a limit or range, which he was neglectful not to provide. A "no carb" recommendation is irresponsible at best, and would lead to a ridiculous number of nutrients deficiencies, which she isn't being monitored for. She said she "hopes" to get bloodwork done to check, meaning she'll have to request it, and she didn't actually specifically say it was an RD. All of that said, excessive protein is absolutely contraindicated in an individual with liver issues.
Many people have had to learn how to find reliable sources of additional information in order to get the tests and treatment they've needed, and guidance from people with that experience can be helpful. The responses here were solicited, and none of the advice is faulty.11 -
While this is true, many nutrients also should be taken with certain others, and specifically apart from certain others.
https://www.betternutrition.com/features-dept/how-to-take-supplements1 -
Supplements? Not a single daily multivitamin? Did you know that too much Zinc can cause hair loss? Too little selenium can cause hair loss? List your supplements. You also mentioned visiting a doctor to see what supplements you could be missing. There is no blood test to test for selenium or zinc. Why not a multi instead? Are you taking certain herbs?
Conversely, too little zinc can cause hair loss, as can too much selenium. And a multivitamin/mineral supplement causes too many of the contained nutrients to be rendered inert.0 -
I lost a ton of hair also however it was from a combination of losing weight, taking blood thinners, copper IUD insertion, and a stressful event. I eat a lot of fats and have a fairly balanced diet. It's growing back but it is distressing.0
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Sorry to hear about your dietary troubles. It sounds like a very difficult situation to be in. I'd personally try to focus on the most nutritionally varied food items you can. Egg whites don't have many nutrients in them.
I'd try to incorporate these kind of things into your diet: fish & seafood, green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, lettuce), peppers, whole eggs, organ meat like liver, seeds and nuts, berries, avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, poultry.
Fat is definitely important for healthy skin and hair, so try to find out how much your body can tolerate. Even throwing in some fish oil supplements might help.
Good luck!1 -
Has your doctor tested you for anemia? Being anemic can cause hair loss. Be sure your doctor tests your ferritin as well as your hemoglobin too.0
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fittocycle wrote: »Has your doctor tested you for anemia? Being anemic can cause hair loss. Be sure your doctor tests your ferritin as well as your hemoglobin too.
Indeed, but hair loss will often show up long before the depletion of the stores (which results in anemia). Iron deficiency is on the list of nutritional causes that she said she'd look at. The recommendation I've seen for ferritin is to get it over 80, if you're experiencing hair loss.0 -
Hair loss is a symptom of PCOS too. Can you go to a PCOS specialist for a diet plan?1
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While there's nothing wrong with getting a second oppion or questioning medical advice, I find it disturbing how many mfp users think they know better than a medical team that involves a gastroenterologist and dietian.
Whilst GPs and specialists are an important part of your health plan and it makes me insane to see people disregarding their input regarding such things as vaccinations in favour of celebrity advice columns etc. you do need to keep on track of your own health. Specialists have a limited amount of time and you need to do your own reading so you can ask questions. I have a specialist that if I didn't do any reading of my own I'd only maintain the status quo and never try anything new. Also, they're human and can be wrong. If something seems wrong, say so. Maybe you misunderstood, or they did. (In this case something seems to have gone wrong somewhere. When you take away carbs and fats what do you have left to eat? I'd be asking questions now!)0
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