EXPERIENCING HAIR LOSS AFTER LPR
Three months after my worst symptoms subsided, I thought I was on the path to recovery. Then, in April, something alarming happened—my hair started falling out in big chunks. This wasn't the first time; a similar episode occurred in my early 20s when I had stomach problems. It seems a shock to the system can trigger hair loss, but with my new healthy diet and lifestyle, how could this be happening again?
The Triggering Events
Early this year, I made significant lifestyle changes to manage my Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). I went cold turkey on tomatoes, citrus, meat, dairy, gluten, you name it. I also started taking famotidine, an H2 blocker, which helped manage my symptoms but has a little known side effect of affecting hair growth — something I had not researched or even thought to look into.
Additionally, during weeks of illness from a terrible flu I stopped taking my birth control pills, a hormonal change which further compounded the issue. The doctor confirmed after a couple of weeks of severe shedding that all these factors combined had caused a shock to my system. During such times, only the most vital organs receive the available nutrition, leading to hair loss months after the event.
Understanding the Hair Loss
My hair loss, it turns out, was due to acute telogen effluvium (TE), a common type of hair loss triggered by severe stress or significant changes in the body. This diagnosis, while reassuring in that it wasn’t permanent, was still disheartening. I was losing hair at an alarming rate, in total almost 50% of all my hair, and the stress of this new issue was overwhelming.
Finding Solutions
By mid-July, the shedding has finally stopped to normal levels, and I have noticed small new hairs along my hairline. Here's what worked for me, using mainly natural remedies:
Hair Growth Capsules: Supplements designed to support hair health which include Omega-3, Biotin, zinc and cinnamon oil among other ingredients.
Multivitamins: Ensuring my body had all the necessary nutrients, with focus on B, C and D vitamins.
Pumpkin Seed Oil: Massaged into my scalp to promote hair growth.
Iron Drops: To counter any deficiencies that might affect hair.
Daily Hair Massage: Stimulating the scalp to encourage hair growth.
Collagen: Occasionally added to my diet to support hair strength.
Amla Oil: Known for its benefits to hair health, massaging the oil into my scalp three times a week about an hour before washing my hair.
Moving Forward
After almost a month on famotidine, I decided to stop it before finishing the recommended monthly dose. Since I started actively to take steps to promote new hair growth, there are visible signs that hairs are finally growing back, and there is a sense of relief even if it might take a while to grow back fully.
If you are experiencing similar changes due to LPR, it is essential to consult your doctor or specialist to identify the cause of your hair loss and take appropriate actions tailored to your situation. If you have any similar experiences or solutions, feel free to get in touch. Let's support each other on this journey to better health and wellness.
Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed on this blog and website are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions or views of any academic, hospital, health practice, or other institution.