To The Bottom Of Things
Gah! Sorry for being such a flaky blogger last week. I'm much peppier this week, and looking forward to getting back to the business of losing weight at a snail's pace. Because that, my friends, is what I am apparently all about.
I've got some questions for you all...
Since last year, but really dramatically this summer to right this minute, my hair has been thinning. Now, granted, I've got a massive head of hair, and I've always been a shedder, but it is getting ridiculous. We're talking a brush full of hair every time I brush, and a clogged drain every time I shower. I've got an appointment with a doctor next week to see what he thinks might be the problem, and I'm staying away from WebMD because I will just freak myself out over all the possible things that might be causing this...
Has anyone else gone through this? It's like that post-partum hair loss, except for six straight months.
Then! The scale has not moved. In a month. Except for the bloating that shot me up four pounds overnight. What is up with that? Is dramatic bloating something to worry about?
Okay, enough of the hypochondriac questions. Let me tell you about my progress!
*silence*
Ha! I kid! After a solid month of good arm workouts (with a few more days off that I was originally planning) I can totally feel my shoulder and bicep muscles when I flex, and my triceps are there, if hiding. I'll attempt photos this afternoon. And then there's the whole calorie awareness thing... I've been pretty successful in keeping my portions small, and my choices healthy. I'm actually growing pleasantly hungry as mealtime nears, which is a good thing. It feels like my body is letting me know that I'm not over-eating at meals, and I'm not tempted to skip a meal because of overeating at the last meal.
Wow, how many times did I use the word "meal?"
Onward, my friends. I'll post my arm photos and dinner menu for the week tonight.
Comments
I assume the doctor will check your thyroid to make sure it's functioning properly--your hair loss could be attributed to a wacky thyroid.
Good luck! I went to the doctor last year about my hair falling out and she couldn't find a cause--apparently, it can be very mysterious. Drat.
Posted by: shrinkingmom | October 30, 2006 11:43 AM
Your valiant (or is it valiEnt?) efforts at blogging your lifestyle change is exciting to me, even somewhat motivating. I only say "somewhat" because I'm still sitting at the computer just reading about your success instead of doing it myself.
Posted by: Stephanie c. | October 30, 2006 12:17 PM
I'm concerned about your thyroid as well. If they take blood, ask about being checked for celiac. Because that's the disease du jour around these parts...
Posted by: steph | October 30, 2006 1:52 PM
I have the hair falling out problem. No one has ever noticed except myself as I am blessed with lots of hair too -- but it still freaks me out.
I attribute mine to a surgery I had 3 years ago -- major surgery -- since then about twice a year I go through a "shedding" period. I'm going through it right now.
Could be some vitamin deficiency? I know I have problems with iron, vitamin K, etc. since surgery.
You know -- I've gained a ton of weight since that surgery! Maybe my thyroid is screwy too? I'm going to have to get some blood drawn as well.
Thanks for making me take a second look!
Sherry H
Posted by: sherry | October 30, 2006 1:59 PM
It could be stress, it could be an early symptom of perimenopause, although I think you're a bit young for that. I'm going through it, too, and it comes and goes.
Posted by: elsie | October 30, 2006 2:55 PM
Folic acid might help :)
Posted by: HG | October 30, 2006 4:48 PM
Weight loss causes hair loss! Before my gastric bypass surgery, EVERYONE warned me about it and then I swear I lost twenty pounds of hair. The two things go hand in hand and I swear it's the post-partem weight loss more than the nursing or anything else that causes all your hair to fall out. It's happening to me again now and this is the third time I've had it fall out in chunks.
Posted by: Amanda | October 30, 2006 5:24 PM
No idea what could be causing your weight loss. I have a ton of hair and wouldn't mind shedding some of it at times. Hope your docs appointment goes well.
Posted by: Healthy Mummy | October 31, 2006 5:36 AM
I'm sure everything will be fine - I too stay away from WebMD. A little too drastic for me....
I can't wait to see your arm pictures - awesome you're feeling the muscles. My workouts have been pretty pitiful lately....ugh!
Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Jen | October 31, 2006 6:28 AM
My hair is definitely thinning. I don't think others can tell (at least, I hope not), but I totally can.
I'm hoping it's an age thing but then again I'm not too happy about aging, either!
Posted by: Mary Tsao | October 31, 2006 9:12 PM
Sounds like you're not getting enough protein. Remember that the FDA requirements are general and not specific. If you're losing hair, it could simply mean you need added protein or added vitamins. Just increase your protein intake for several days (tuna, peanut butter, etc) and make sure you're getting enough fat (30 or so grams at least daily) and I think you'll see your hair loss decrease.
Doubtful if its anything serious, in all honesty, because you aren't having other symptoms. If you're pushing for weightloss, you may be cutting back on things that your body needs.
It happened to me!
Posted by: Me | November 1, 2006 2:08 PM
I'm throwing my bid in for a thyroid issue. If you also have extremely dry skin, that combined with the inability to lose weight means you have a thyroid problem. Unfortunately that means medication -- forever -- so we can keep our fingers crossed that it is something benign. Be sure that your thyroid levels aren't borderline, too, because sometimes doctors prefer to wait and that can make things hard. Wacky thyroid can make you very moody and it's best to get it treated.
That being said, I love reading your blog, and you've really inspired me. I completed my first triathlon two weeks ago, even though my weight has yet to go down (I am 169 with a goal weight of 135). Nevertheless I am feeling better, and I started reading "The Fat Fallacy" too. I am hoping something will kick in soon. Thanks for blogging!
Posted by: Missy | November 1, 2006 10:34 PM