Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders affecting up to 4% of the world population. It is an intense fear of gaining weight and therefore can lead to extreme food restrictions. A person with anorexia has an intense fear of potential weight gain. Therefore, they may not eat enough. The distorted body image issues associated with anorexia also results in extreme mental distress. One lesser known side effect of this condition is hair loss. Anorexia hair loss occurs mainly due to malnutrition or stress.
In this article let’s look at the reasons behind hair loss in anorexia and the subsequent symptoms. We will also look at how to manage extreme hair loss from anorexia and recover to lead a healthy life.
Why Does Anorexia Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss in anorexia is the body’s response to extreme weight loss. When our body is not getting the essential nutrients it needs, it prioritizes certain functions over others. For example, in the state of anorexia, the body will primarily work on organ maintenance rather than non-essential functions like healthy hair growth. So, let’s look at the different reasons behind anorexia hair loss:
Nutrient Deficiency
Some nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy hair. These include:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin B3
- Fatty acids
- Selenium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Folic acid
- Biotin
- Amino acids and proteins
Deficiency of even one of these nutrients may cause hair follicles to weaken and break apart. In people with anorexia, one might lack these nutrients due to restrictive eating habits. In particular, protein deficiency can affect the structure of the hair, breaking down the ketarin layer. So, hair becomes more prone to breakage which can lead to hair loss.
Hormonal Imbalances
Anorexia takes a significant toll on one’s mind and body. The physical and emotional stress of it all can lead to hormonal changes in the body. Moreover, the body, as we know, prioritizes vital organ functioning during this time. So, management of hormones like estrogen and cortisol are deprioritized. This lends to reduced estrogen levels and elevated cortisol. The imbalance in hormone levels ultimately causes anorexia hair loss. Moreover, malnourishment sometimes leads to low thyroid levels. It can also exacerbate hair falling.
Elevated Stress
Anorexia is a serious mental health condition. The long term effects of mental health on our body is not yet fully known. However, extreme mental distress can lead to hair thinning. This is due to the elevated stress hormone or cortisol levels in our body.
What Are the Symptoms of Anorexia Hair Loss?
Anorexia-related hair loss manifests in several ways, some of which include:
Thinning Hair
One of the earliest indicators of anorexia hair loss is thinning of scalp hair. In the crown of the scalp, the hair appears finer than usual. Usually iron and protein deficiency can cause this thinness of hair.
Increased Hair Shedding
One may experience more hair shedding during washing or brushing the hair. It can actually contribute to further anxiety about appearance.
Downy Hair Growth
Lanugo is a phenomenon known as downy hair growth. During anorexia, some people may develop fine and soft body hair. This is the body’s way of conserving heat when faced with extreme weight loss. Although it’s not harmful, it is a physical sign of the body’s compromised state. It may also cause dissatisfaction with appearance.
Dry and Brittle Hair
Deficiency of iron can make hair appear more brittle. Moreover, protein deficiency can make hair more dry and prone to breakage.
Is Bulimia Related to Hair Loss?
Hair loss is not exclusive to anorexia. Bulimia, another common eating disorder involves a cycle of binge eating and purging. It can cause nutrient deficiency similar to that of anorexia. The nutrient deficiency coupled with the stress of purging can lead to multiple health risks. More often than not, it can also cause hair loss.
How to Recover from Anorexia Hair Loss
Any eating disorder treatment involves addressing the underlying condition. So let’s look at some steps that might help with combating the hair loss:
Nutritional Counseling
Anorexia requires a careful approach to reintroducing a balanced food intake. To tackle anorexia, nutritional counselling with a dietitian or nutritionist is very important. They can help with a meal plan that provides nutrients like protein, zinc, iron and biotin.
Mental Health Support
Anorexia is also classified as a mental health condition. Therefore, working with a mental health professional is crucial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other therapeutic approaches can help manage the psychological issues underlying anorexia and indirectly help with hair loss.
Medical Treatment
To combat hormonal imbalances, a primary care physician might prescribe some medications. In cases of extreme anxiety or depression, psychotropic medications are also prescribed. Continuous use of these medications can help manage anorexia symptoms. Management of these symptoms will in turn, manage hair loss.
Patience and Self-Care
Anorexia is not a treatable condition, rather a manageable one. So, it will take time for your mind and body to heal. So being patient and practicing self care for recovery will help you to deal with this condition better.
What Are the Specific Hair Loss Treatments?
While treating anorexia, you can also treat hair loss simultaneously. Let’s look at some ways to stimulate hair growth:
Mesotherapy
Derma rolling helps to stimulate the hair follicles. It can enhance the absorption of hair serums and other topical treatments. You can combine derma rolling with minoxidil for greater results.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy uses low-level laser lights. It increases blood flow to the scalp and stimulates hair follicle production.
Hair Growth Stimulation
Some regenerative treatments may help stimulate hair growth around the affected areas. Minoxidil solution and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are excellent for this.
Hair Transplantation
Hair transplants in Turkey can restore hair to thinning areas after anorexia hair loss. Doctors at Cosmedica Clinic use follicular unit extraction (FUE) or the DHI technique. The hair transplant costs in Turkey are affordable. You also have the ability to choose from the multiple options at Cosmedica Clinic.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Hair Loss and Anorexia
If you are experiencing anorexia and hair loss, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. Early intervention can prevent further health complications. Here are some steps to take:
Consult a Healthcare Professional
A doctor can evaluate your overall health, and recommend appropriate treatments. At Cosmedica clinic, you can book a free consultation to know more about the side effects of anorexia.
Join Support Groups
There are several support groups for anorexia. Connecting with others in these groups can provide you with a support system. You may also get some practical advice from people going through similar stuff.
Focus on Holistic Health
Addressing both physical and mental health is crucial for recovery. Engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as yoga or meditation, can also aid in the healing process.
Conclusion
Anorexia hair loss is a serious but manageable condition. Understanding the causes and symptoms, along with seeking timely treatment, can help individuals on their journey to recovery. With proper care, including nutritional support and mental health treatment, hair health can be restored. For those considering advanced solutions, visiting a reputable clinic like Cosmedica, which specializes in hair transplant procedures, may offer additional options for hair restoration.
For more information on hair transplant procedures, including the DHI Sapphire method, visit Cosmedica’s website and explore their hair transplant before and after results.
