recovery trouble

[ellenmc1021]

About 2 years ago I drastically changed the way I was eating to lose weight. I didn't do it in the healthiest way; I wasn't eating properly, and lost a great deal of weight. However, over the past 6 months I have been taking steps to correct the way I eat, and proper nutrition has become a huge part of my life. Only now that I have begun to correct my eating habits it's like my body is catching up with me, and I'm actually very concerned. My hair is falling out...by the handfuls. I've seen all sorts of doctors, and they say I seem perfectly healthy. I would just like to know if this is a normal happening for someone who wasn't eating enough. Also, I'm really worried because I would really enjoy not going bald. Any help you could give would be great.

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

A year and 1/2 of poor eating habits and large weight loss could definitely cause hair loss.  Hair loss can be due to low protein.  Even though you have been trying to improve your eating habits for 6 months, a lot of damage has already been done and how you're eating now may not be targeting what your body needs.  Have you had recent blood panels to determine any nutritional deficients?  Have you seen a registered dietitian to direct you in your nutritional needs?  You may want to look into this kind of professional support.  Best regards, Dr Patricia Pitts  The Bella Vita Los Angeles, CA

[Rach878]

Hello. Hair loss is fairly common from unhealthy eating habbits and massive amounts of weight loss.  I do find it interesting that your hair loss is coming while your recoverying, because i always thought it came at the worst point in ED, but i may be mistaken.
I'm glad to hear your in recovery, and as shlee said, the hair loss will cease as you become healthier.

[shlee1016]

Actually, I think this is not unheard of. This past time that I was in treatment, many of us started having worse symptoms actually when we were in recovery such as hair loss. With time though as you continue with recovery and your body realizes that you are going to continue taking care of it, it should get back to normal and these things should cease. Keep an eye on it, but don't worry yourself to death because it does happen.