Why Does My Hair Look Like Crap Since Celiac

[Lexi]

Hi! I have had a ton of problems with my health ever since my Celiac Diagnosis, but right now I'm really pissed off about my hair. I used to have long, beautiful, blonde hair. When all of this Celiac stuff started about 5 years ago, my hair was really affected. It is so thin now, and it breaks off constantly. I'm not supposed to have bangs, but I do now, because my hair breaks off all over the place. I eat gluten free, and also avoid all other allergens. I eat so healthy, but look malnourished, but none of the Doctors can figure out why. I also get migraine headaches when I drink hemp milk (which I love) and whenever I eat any type of yogurt (dairy free) WHY WHY WHY!! I'm so exhausted of constantly trying to figure out why I feel so crappy all the time! And I'm so TIRED of having to give up ALL of my favorite foods!!! SAD!

[heatherjane]

Hi! I have had a ton of problems with my health ever since my Celiac Diagnosis, but right now I'm really pissed off about my hair. I used to have long, beautiful, blonde hair. When all of this Celiac stuff started about 5 years ago, my hair was really affected. It is so thin now, and it breaks off constantly. I'm not supposed to have bangs, but I do now, because my hair breaks off all over the place. I eat gluten free, and also avoid all other allergens. I eat so healthy, but look malnourished, but none of the Doctors can figure out why. I also get migraine headaches when I drink hemp milk (which I love) and whenever I eat any type of yogurt (dairy free) WHY WHY WHY!! I'm so exhausted of constantly trying to figure out why I feel so crappy all the time! And I'm so TIRED of having to give up ALL of my favorite foods!!! SAD!

Just taking a shot in the dark... are you getting enough protein?

[ravenwoodglass]

You mention eating dairy free yogurt. Is it soy based? This may not apply to you but soy makes my hair fall out just as much as gluten does.

Are you taking any supplements? Sometimes we need to take them for quite a while until our guts are able to absorb nutrients again.

Have your doctors checked your thyroid levels, all of them not just TSH? I don't know your age but if you are close to menapause age you may want to have your hormones checked.

Stress can also contribute to hair loss.

Do you dye your hair? When I still dyed mine it seemed to increase the hair loss. I also have to be careful what shampoos and other hair products I use as soy or gluten based ingredients will keep it falling out also.

Lastly have you seen a dermatologist? They may be help.

[FooGirlsMom]

Hi

I'm so sorry about your hair. What you are describing brought a few things to mind. I have the same problem as Ravenwoodglass, I cannot tolerate any amount of soy (except Lecithin). Not only does it inflame my joints but it makes me look awful. My hair turns awful, my skin gets dry & oily at the same time. It's death to me. I puff like a puffer fish too. Soy is just as bad as gluten for me and I think I notice it sooner (2 hours). I found that non-dairy milks were aggravating my system. Just a thought.

Have you had your thyroid checked? Hair problems are usually thyroid and since you used the word "malnourished" it sounds like absorption issues. The intestines do take a while to heal. I'm just now, after a very strict gluten-free diet, feeling improvements in this area after 4 months. It's not perfect yet but some of my intolerances are subsiding.

Protein is another issue as are healthy oils. Have you ever tried an Omega 3,6,9 supplement? Walmart sells one by Natrol that has a lemon flavor and won't make you burp fish oil.

I sure hope you find your answers. If you have access to a doc/nutritionist, it would be worth it to go. You might have secondary allergies like most of us do, at least until you heal.

Hang in there,

FooGirlsMom

[SaraKat]

Have you had your thyroid checked? I only ask because before I got dx'd with celiac my TSH was high- so I was a little hypothyroid and they put me on 25mcg of Synthroid and my hair looks great now. It was looking really awful for a couple years before I went on Synthroid, I always thought it was from the highlighting or something, but I guess not.

My friend told me about some vitamin she started taking to make her hair look better and I forgot the name, let me ask her again and I will update this.

[Diane-in-FL]

Hi Lexi.....the same thing happened to me. I think it is because of the vitamin deficiencies we experience. My hair began to get thin and brittle and won't hold color well anymore. I'm giving it a rest from coloring for a while. I think I see some improvement recently, like not so much hair in the brush. I've been gluten free since Oct. I take a gluten-free multi vitamin, D3 and B12. I'll think I'll try the Omega supplement too. Good luck.

[Looking for answers]

Same with me...resolved after dealing with my adrenal/thyroid issues and really increasing my protein intake.

[Lexi]

It's very interesting reading all the replies. I definitely stay away from soy because it makes me so bloated and miserable! However, it seems as if there are different types of soy in some of the shampoo and cosmestic products I use - It's really alsmost impossible to find things without hidden soy in them. Also, I have been wanting to take fish oil, but I can't ever find any that don't contain soy. Any suggestions?? I was trying the coconut yogurt, but for some reason it doesn't agree with me. I tried hemp milk and ice-cream, but it gives me migraine headaches every time. My Doctor checks my thyroid about once a year, and it always comes back ok. She wanted to put me on Synthroid last year because I have all the symptons, but I don't want to take something I don't need because medicine is so expensive. Should I try it, even though all my tests come back fine? I also wanted to get my hormones checked, but my Dr. told me that I couldn't do it because I am on the pill and that the tests would come back inaccurate, and I don't want to go off the pill. I feel that I get enough protein - I eat a ton of chicken and beans. I am just so confused! Being Gluten free is so easy compared to all the other problems I have had to go along with it. The problems I have had and do have are TOOOOOO long to even list.

[ravenwoodglass]

I also wanted to get my hormones checked, but my Dr. told me that I couldn't do it because I am on the pill and that the tests would come back inaccurate, and I don't want to go off the pill.

Have you talked to your doctor about the hair loss perhaps being related to the BC pill you are on? This may not be the problem but figured it was worth mentioning just in case.

Open Original Shared Link

"Women who use oral contraceptives might be surprised to learn that hair loss is a common side effect of the pill.

The pill

[cassP]

It's very interesting reading all the replies. I definitely stay away from soy because it makes me so bloated and miserable! However, it seems as if there are different types of soy in some of the shampoo and cosmestic products I use - It's really alsmost impossible to find things without hidden soy in them. Also, I have been wanting to take fish oil, but I can't ever find any that don't contain soy. Any suggestions?? I was trying the coconut yogurt, but for some reason it doesn't agree with me. I tried hemp milk and ice-cream, but it gives me migraine headaches every time. My Doctor checks my thyroid about once a year, and it always comes back ok. She wanted to put me on Synthroid last year because I have all the symptons, but I don't want to take something I don't need because medicine is so expensive. Should I try it, even though all my tests come back fine? I also wanted to get my hormones checked, but my Dr. told me that I couldn't do it because I am on the pill and that the tests would come back inaccurate, and I don't want to go off the pill. I feel that I get enough protein - I eat a ton of chicken and beans. I am just so confused! Being Gluten free is so easy compared to all the other problems I have had to go along with it. The problems I have had and do have are TOOOOOO long to even list.

i understand not wanting to take something if you dont need it- especially a hormone- BUT- it IS possible that you may need it- even tho your numbers are "ok".. every individual should actually have their own range- but that would be impossible. im impressed that you have a doctor wanting to explore treating you for your symptoms and not just your numbers.

you may want to ask that SAME open minded doctor to test you for Hashimoto's (TPO antibodies)- if these are highly out of range- but your thyroid numbers are "ok"..then your doc will know that you DO need meds based on your antibodies and symptoms-

you def. should get it checked to make sure or rule it out. once i got on meds, my hair stopped falling out..

[jenngolightly]

Hi! I have had a ton of problems with my health ever since my Celiac Diagnosis, but right now I'm really pissed off about my hair. I used to have long, beautiful, blonde hair. When all of this Celiac stuff started about 5 years ago, my hair was really affected. It is so thin now, and it breaks off constantly. I'm not supposed to have bangs, but I do now, because my hair breaks off all over the place. I eat gluten free, and also avoid all other allergens. I eat so healthy, but look malnourished, but none of the Doctors can figure out why. I also get migraine headaches when I drink hemp milk (which I love) and whenever I eat any type of yogurt (dairy free) WHY WHY WHY!! I'm so exhausted of constantly trying to figure out why I feel so crappy all the time! And I'm so TIRED of having to give up ALL of my favorite foods!!! SAD!

Me too. The women who've given you advice are very smart. I just wanted to make sure you're getting a balanced diet. You need all kinds of nutrition to stay healthy.

Initially, going gluten-free helped tremendously. My hair stopped falling out. But it wasn't until I stopped eating corn, soy, dairy, and sugar that it started growing back in again. Now I'm finally getting it back to normal. My issue was food-based... my thyroid was fine. But I def think you should get your thyroid checked - thyroid issues cause all kinds of wacko things... but so does your diet and gluten might not be your only problem. Like you mentioned, it could be soy, but it could be something else, too. Trial and error...

[AZGirl]

I would like to suggest that you start taking BIOTIN immediately. I recently lost half my hair; thank goodness I had a lot to start with. I still look "normal", but as some one else said the texture is much different and I got weird results when coloring it, so stopped. My hair has stopped falling out. I did have all my thyroid levels checked and all was normal. Not sure what made it happen or why it stopped, but it is now growing back in and I think that is because of the BIOTIN.

I know how panicky loosing your hair can make you. Be strong and know that your hair doesn't define you.

God bless.

[StacyA]

Is your vitamin D okay? My hair was dry and I was getting cold all the time, so I asked my doctor to check my thyroid, iron and D. She checked them and said they were ok, but when I asked for a copy of my results I saw that my doctor missed that my D was low. (It even had a * next to the results.) After I started D it got better.

[cassP]

Is your vitamin D okay? My hair was dry and I was getting cold all the time, so I asked my doctor to check my thyroid, iron and D. She checked them and said they were ok, but when I asked for a copy of my results I saw that my doctor missed that my D was low. (It even had a * next to the results.) After I started D it got better.

SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME!!! that's why i always request a copy of my results. geez

they told me over the phone about my Grave's but they neglected to tell me i was D deficient (26)... so, after i saw it on the paper, i ordered D3... hope i can normalize.

i was also just researching Hyperparathyroidism.... now im worried about that ??

[Marilyn R]

I had hyperparathyroidism, and a parathyroidectomy. The surgeon removed 3.5 of my parathyroid glands.

I'm absolutely, 100 percent sure that the gluten-free diet can avoid surgical intervention of the paratyroid glands if you have celiac disease.

I found out about celiac sort of upside down. Had the "moans, groans and bones" associated with hyperparathyroidism, had the surgery, didn't get better, and finally found out what was hurting me.

Gluten.

I hope you find the answer...good luck.

M

[cassP]

I had hyperparathyroidism, and a parathyroidectomy. The surgeon removed 3.5 of my parathyroid glands.

I'm absolutely, 100 percent sure that the gluten-free diet can avoid surgical intervention of the paratyroid glands if you have celiac disease.

I found out about celiac sort of upside down. Had the "moans, groans and bones" associated with hyperparathyroidism, had the surgery, didn't get better, and finally found out what was hurting me.

Gluten.

I hope you find the answer...good luck.

M

interesting... what were your symptoms from hyperparathyroidism- and how did your docs come to test that- i had never even heard them talk about it, only just found it on the internet. did u ALSO have thyroid disorders? or just the parathyroid?

[Lexi]

Is your vitamin D okay? My hair was dry and I was getting cold all the time, so I asked my doctor to check my thyroid, iron and D. She checked them and said they were ok, but when I asked for a copy of my results I saw that my doctor missed that my D was low. (It even had a * next to the results.) After I started D it got better.

I was actually just wondering about Vitamin D. I spend so much time in the sun in the summer, so I probably get enough, but not so sure that I do in the winter. I am SO COLD all the time!!!! I either have the blow dryer on or stand by the oven all winter. I feel so cold that my feet feel like they are numb and burning most of the winter months! Thank goodness I live in Florida!

[Lexi]

Hi Lexi.....the same thing happened to me. I think it is because of the vitamin deficiencies we experience. My hair began to get thin and brittle and won't hold color well anymore. I'm giving it a rest from coloring for a while. I think I see some improvement recently, like not so much hair in the brush. I've been gluten free since Oct. I take a gluten-free multi vitamin, D3 and B12. I'll think I'll try the Omega supplement too. Good luck.

I know what you mean about hair color. I am very light blonde, but my hair color comes out weird every time now - sometimes very yellow. I HATE it. My hairdresser finds me to be a very challenging client - but luckily she is very patient!

[Lexi]

I would like to suggest that you start taking BIOTIN immediately. I recently lost half my hair; thank goodness I had a lot to start with. I still look "normal", but as some one else said the texture is much different and I got weird results when coloring it, so stopped. My hair has stopped falling out. I did have all my thyroid levels checked and all was normal. Not sure what made it happen or why it stopped, but it is now growing back in and I think that is because of the BIOTIN.

I know how panicky loosing your hair can make you. Be strong and know that your hair doesn't define you.

God bless.

I'm buying some Biotin tomorrow!! How many mg? Any suggestions of a good brand. I try to avoid all allergens!

[cassP]

I was actually just wondering about Vitamin D. I spend so much time in the sun in the summer, so I probably get enough, but not so sure that I do in the winter. I am SO COLD all the time!!!! I either have the blow dryer on or stand by the oven all winter. I feel so cold that my feet feel like they are numb and burning most of the winter months! Thank goodness I live in Florida!

i live in florida too... and i THOUGHT that i was getting plenty of sun... AND i eat tons of eggs and fish.. and wouldnt u know it- i just got my D tested - and its below range... AND they didnt even tell me.. i had to find it on the results i requested to be mailed to me. i started taking D3... i hope things improve like the girl above

make sure you get tested for everything-

[Noni]

Hi everyone, I haven't been on here in a while but I'm sure glad I opened this post to read it. THIS IS MY SITUATION TOO!

I've had my thyroid checked numerous times, the doctor keeps saying it's fine. Trying to get a copy of my tests results is like getting blood from a turnip. lol

I've had a very low Vit D level for years and take prescription vitamin D, which was just increased. I also have low potassium, low magnesium, increased liver enzymes and of course Celiac disease since 1994, herpatitis dermatitis since '93.

I also have the severe migraines like someone else mentioned.

It's true....I don't eat right, but I just don't have the appetite. I think that's due to getting very sick in November and staying sick.

Didn't get help till January. Found out it was Crohn's causing the problem. I'd already lost 75lbs, but the first medications didn't work so they had to try another.

At this point...I can't find anything that tastes good.

I hate this gluten-free diet. Everything I love has gluten in it. I'm on such a limited financial budget it makes my life

miserable.

Anyhow......I know what you ladies are saying about your hair. I'd give anything to have my hair healthy and shiny again. If

it keeps falling out I will be bald soon.

So if anyone has some advice or tips, please send them my way too. Im so discouraged.

Sorry this is so long, just had to respond as I see myself in the other replies. Have a good night all. Take care.

[ravenwoodglass]

Hi everyone, I haven't been on here in a while but I'm sure glad I opened this post to read it. THIS IS MY SITUATION TOO!

I've had my thyroid checked numerous times, the doctor keeps saying it's fine. Trying to get a copy of my tests results is like getting blood from a turnip. lol

I've had a very low Vit D level for years and take prescription vitamin D, which was just increased. I also have low potassium, low magnesium, increased liver enzymes and of course Celiac disease since 1994, herpatitis dermatitis since '93.

I also have the severe migraines like someone else mentioned.

It's true....I don't eat right, but I just don't have the appetite. I think that's due to getting very sick in November and staying sick.

Didn't get help till January. Found out it was Crohn's causing the problem. I'd already lost 75lbs, but the first medications didn't work so they had to try another.

At this point...I can't find anything that tastes good.

I hate this gluten-free diet. Everything I love has gluten in it. I'm on such a limited financial budget it makes my life

miserable.

Anyhow......I know what you ladies are saying about your hair. I'd give anything to have my hair healthy and shiny again. If

it keeps falling out I will be bald soon.

So if anyone has some advice or tips, please send them my way too. Im so discouraged.

Sorry this is so long, just had to respond as I see myself in the other replies. Have a good night all. Take care.

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. I don't have any real answers for you but can tell you that you have a legal right to copies of those test results. Don't ask for them demand them. You may get charged a copying fee but it is worth it.

[Marilyn R]

interesting... what were your symptoms from hyperparathyroidism- and how did your docs come to test that- i had never even heard them talk about it, only just found it on the internet. did u ALSO have thyroid disorders? or just the parathyroid?

Sorry about the delay in my response. I never had a thyroid problem.

Symptoms (in order of occurence) included tingling sensations (especially on fingers and toes, but all over my skin, acute depression (with no prior personal or family history), hair loss, insomnia, gait problems. (I couldn't deal with stairs!)

A routine blood draw came up with an abnormally high calcium level. My PCP ordered a PTH intact (parathyroid level), but it was within the upper limits of the normal range. She suggested an anti-deppressant, which didn't work. My symptoms were getting worse and worse. I was borderline suicidal.

I went to an endocrinologist who suggested surgery after a bone scan showed osteopenia. I was willing to try anything. So I ended up with 1/2 a parathyroid gland (minus 3.5), feeling better but not well. Still fatigued, apathetic, depressed. Still had pin pricking sensations. Then uncontrolled D and nausea set in, which led me to go to a gastroenterologist.

The really odd thing is that I had another random high calcium level in a routine blood draw ordered by my gastro 8 months after the surgery, 2 months after gluten-free. It was after I ate quinoa for three meals in a row. I told him that my blood tests weren't going to be good because I was messed up. (Glutened symptoms.) He insisted that I go to the lab, so I did.

I figured that if I had high Calcium levels, I must have cancer and asked him if he thought I had cancer. He said no, he thought I had a failed surgery. I told him I thought it was because I couldn't tolerate quinoa and he told me that you don't get a high Calcium level from food. I don't know who's right, but I think there is a wide river of unknown about this disease.

My blood draws have been normal since going gluten-free, soy free and avoiding or rotating other proteins. Man, I wrote a book. Hope it helps somebody else.