moko 13's Journal, 17 September 2023

Stress is real and so harsh on the human body/mind/spirit! Adaptogens and managing stress are epic!💗 Take care💫 

I appreciate your note of support, SElizabeth. 😊Agree entirely.  

🫤hope you feel better soon 

I shed a significant amount of hair last year and discovered through a blood test that I had a ferritin deficiency (aka low iron). After taking prescription ferritin for a few months my hair started to grow back like it used to. We are strangers, but I thought this might be worth sharing in case it helps. Best wishes to you on your health journey! (Over-explaining disclaimer: Ferritin should only be taken after getting blood tested by a doctor and can be dangerous to take if you don’t have low levels) 

Sara, very interesting! I'm losing lots of hair too. I think mine could be related to long hauler COVID. I had Covid in April. I also tested low in ferritin but high in iron. My endocrinologist thought that was really strange and is testing me again in 3 months... 

@Diana, that’s very interesting! I’m curious about long-Covid hair loss now, and I hope you are feeling better! Re. Ferritin: I was initially told by a doctor that my iron was on the low side of normal, but ferritin was deficient. As far as I know, ferritin is accumulated and stored in the body from iron over time. Because the body prioritizes creating healthy red blood cells over storing ferritin, our blood can appear to have normal iron levels when we have low ferritin and are in the early stages of anemia.  

Hair loss during weight loss is quite common and reflects stress. Eat lots of protein and perhaps some collagen. It will take awhile, but it will grow back. It happened to me when I lost a lot of weight and then got pneumonia. Take care of yourself. 

If you like Dr. Berry, he's got a good video on YouTube about it, and I'm sure there are others. 

It doesn't take having a temperature to be ill. Listen to your body if it needs rest. Trust me, your body will have the last word in that argument if you push it too much. At least mine always does. How long have you been losing hair and what do you attribute it to? Yes, diet can sometimes do it, but so can stress. As can hypothyroidism, speaking from experience. If you're eating a reasonably balanced, healthy diet with enough calories, diet shouldn't be the problem and you shouldn't need to go overboard on protein.  

Thank ya otb! I am feeling better. Hate feeling sick but not sure why. Seems to be more frequently than usual lately. 

Sarahb3llum, very interesting about the ferretin. I am actually slightly anemic so it might be an issue with that. My doctor thinks I can fix it with my diet so I should probably start taking that more seriously. I forgot that can cause low energy, too. Thanks.  

Diana, keep us posted on your next test results! Sorry you are having a lot of hair loss, too. I am thankful I have a ton of hair and so I am used to losing a lot but I literally am able having to clean my hairbrush out 3-4 times in one brushing and my shower drain is collecting tons as well. 

Thank you ericka, newme and wwy! I am feeling better and I think it’s entirely possible the hair loss and fatigue is related to stress and my low iron levels. I got my energy back Sunday night and was able to do a fairly good workout and also again on Monday after work. I try to listen to this old body as best as I can but get frustrated when it tells me to slow down. Not looking forward to washing my hair this morning but maybe the shed will be less.