Hair loss and IBS or IBD?

[Cher111]

29 yr. old female. I have been tentatively diagnosed with post infectious IBS. There are more tests to do but my doc feels comfortable with this diagnosis. For the past three years, I have been losing hair at a higher than normal rate. All the hairs coming out are in the telogen phase so my dermatologist feels that I have telogen effluivum, or temporary hair loss. My question is, could the IBS be causing my lower intestinal tract to not absorb the nutrients I need to foster a healthy head of hair? I've also heard of a link between hair loss and Chrons disease (IBD). I feel my IBS could actually be IBD due to some other symptoms that don't quite fit IBS. Does anyone have any info on the link between hair loss and these disorders? Would taking additional vitamin supplements be a waste if they won't be absorbed or is it just the vitamins from the food I eat that can't be absorbed due to IBS. (or IBD) Sorry for the long question but after over 3 years, I might finally have an answer to the horror I've been experiencing.

Thank you!

[canuckSla]

I so wish I could help. Because I have the EXACT same question/problem. I've had the same problems/discomfort/side effects for about 8 months now. I'm very curious to know if there is a link between IBS/digestive problems and hair loss, because I think i to have the same link.

Can anyone shed some light?
Thank you,

[GoldFishy222]

I'm afraid I don't have any answers either, but I also feel that I'm loosing hair much faster then I should be and its definitely not growing back in as fast.  And recently I've been dealing with a lot of tummy troubles (yet to have a solid diagnosis) though I've had a sensitive stomach for a while now.   My doctor just passed it off as stress when I asked her what she thought about it.  I haven’t really thought much about it because I’m more focused on feeling better first.

[Fuzzz]

I hope your thyroid level has been checked.  I have heard many people say that Armour Thyroid is better for them than Synthroid, and here is an article that may help explain why that might be, as well as what tests should be done:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/mercola.htm

[ayri]

hi, yes indeed, there is a definite link between some hairloss and small intestinal disorders especially the malabsorption of certain vitamins, i;e cealiac disease, fructose, lactose and glucose intolerances, cheers.

[jean222]

I'm 28. I, too, have been diagnosed with IBS for about a year now and have been experiencing hair loss for about 3 mnths now. This is not stress related because I've been under less stress during this time frame than ever. It's actually backwards that I'd begin losing my hair during the least sressful time of my life. So, this does lead me to believe that the IBS is causing it. I've been off the meds for about a month and the IBS symtoms have returned but still losing my hair so I don't think the medication was causing it. Plus, I would think if the meds were causing it, I would of started losing my hair closer to the time I began taking them. I, too, have found no other links between IBS and hair loss or links between the medications and hair loss but, like you, I feel like there is some connection.

[orchid222]

Hi - I'm experiencing the same problems, and was wondering if any of you already found an answer to your question? Is there a connection between IBS and hair loss? And if so, what can be done about it? Will vitamin supplements prevent hair loss?
Thanks you very much!!!

[orchid222]

Hi - I'm experiencing the same problems, and was wondering if any of you already found an answer to your question? Is there a connection between IBS and hair loss? And if so, what can be done about it? Will vitamin supplements prevent hair loss?
Thank you very much!!!

[Mandabear27]

Hi All,

I am definitely convinced that IBS can cause/ contribute to hair loss.  I have been experiencing hair loss for approximately 4 years now, and have had IBS for most of my life.  I also know 3 others who have had the same symptoms.  Although GP's don't have a lot of information on this topic, I have found that naturopath's do.  I have recently visited a naturopath and she has informed me of this link.  Since those with IBS have trouble absorbing nutrients, they are often low in iron, b12 and folate (and possibly other nutrients).  I have started receiving b12 injections, and take iron and b12 daily.  I also take strong probiotics to help the ibs and stay off wheat, dairy, acidic foods, and peanuts.  I have just started the supplements, however, and am very hopeful that they will help with the symptoms (dizziness, hair loss, aches etc.)  I will keep you posted on my progress!