I have been losing hair since about Nov/Dec - I started my weight loss process in August. I know everyone loses some hair, that's normal - but this is much more than a healthy hair loss for me. I remember I experienced hair loss several long years ago when I wasn't really eating much but aside from that, I'm one of those people who doesn't lose a noticeable amount of hair . Back when it started, my doctor thought it could be stress related to exams (I'm a univ student) but exams ended mid-December and I'm still losing hair. I wonder if it's a protein deficiency so I am trying to boost my protein intake but I am finding that a real challenge without including dairy/meat/egg products (if egg even has protein.. I don't know).

Has this happened to anyone else?

I've had major hairloss three times in my life: post-partum (which is normal), but you'd KNOW if you'd just had a baby , when I was doing a very lowfat diet- like less than 15 grams per day, and when my thyroid was malfunctioning. If you are avoiding dairy, meat and eggs, are you getting enough good fats and enough calories in general?

Mel

hi beautiful one, please keep in mind that the following that i write are n othing more than questions or assumptions, ok?

hair loss and dieting, at least to my knowledge, typcially follows a long and rigourous routine of dieting, such as with anorexics. nooooooooooooooooo! I am not saying this is the caswewith you! also, alopecia is a hereditary condition (hair loss) which may affect women. I really cant say, I would adress it with your doc as far as you r dietary nutrients etc. but also address and research a pattern of alopecia if it runs in the family. No this has not happened to me and your doctor can address it best, I guess what i want to say is examine your nutritional intake as well as assessing any family history in regards to hair loss.

There ars so many variables that could be at play, and im not a med doc. anyways, a good freind of mine is a specialist in hair extensions. she was recently in a magazine article for the north shore! A women had alopecia and they did not know how or if it could be done, but with micro extensions they did indeed do it good luck and keep us posted. THis is all my knowledge on the topic, and its not much! see what the doc says.

I had the same experience in college when I was following a very low fat diet, my hair fell out by the handfuls in the shower. I was only on that diet for 3-4 months, so for me it wasn't caused by any long drawn out starvation.

Keep a record of what you are eating and then see a doctor. Remember not all fats are bad- not all carbs are bad... and you need a balance. It sounds as if something if something is definitely out of balance.

This probably isn't the case, but sometimes too much vitamin A can cause hair loss--check the vitamins you are taking.

Always make sure that you get adequate protein. Cut carbs before protein.

Jay

Just to be safe, have your thyroid checked.

That's just what I was going to say.

I had a very *bad* hair-straightening experience a few years back....my hair was actually burned and breaking off....my hairdresser recommended Bioten supplements (vitamin section) and a topical treatment (health food stores have the topical).

I still take it and I experience very little loss of hair/breakage on my hair. Some thickening shampoos also contain this

I'm in with the low fat notion.

I also wondered about the time of year? Ya know? hats, lack of fresh air and sunshine?

I have my cosmetology license, and some things that you may not think about can cause hair loss:

~too much coloring/perming: the hair isn't actually falling out, it breaks off near the roots-so it looks like it is falling out.

~Wearing ponytails, and hair clips too much: If you think about your hair in a clip or ponytail holder-it is being "pulled" and puts a lot of stress on the root/scalp. The constant pulling can cause the hair to come out at the root.

Other than that...I would definitely take a look at your diet. Try more protein, and more fat.

***Mel, I also lose hair postpartum. Fun, isn't it???

I also lost alot of hair following the low fat diet. By the handfuls. I'm one of those people though, who has to clean out the shower drain 4-12 times while I'm in there, so it'll keep draining. I just have ALOT of hair, although you wouldn't know it by the time I'm done with it in the morning. I also lost alot post pregnancy, via hormones, as well as whacking it off in a moment of hormonal insanity.

I would check your fats, your body NEEDS fat for some basic functions, you can add good ones, by adding a 1/2 tbsp of olive oil to veggies, with some spices for flavor. Did your mom lose hair? Aunts, grannies? Check the source is always a good idea. Have your doc check your thyroid, and have your blood tested for things like lead.

There are a few threads around here talking about hair loss after weight loss. From what I understand, it has something to do with hormones and your body readjusting.

I lost about 30-40 pounds last year and even though my nutrition was excellent, I noticed that I was losing more hair than I normally did around late October. Fortunately it only lasted for about two months. I didn't have any balding spots, but I did have hair clogging the drain, hair in the carpet and well just everywhere. LOL

However if the amount you are losing is making you uncomfortable, then I would make an appointment with your doctor.