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May 31, 2025

Hair Loss After Ostomy: Anyone Else?

The topic at hand is about experiencing hair loss after ostomy surgery and whether this is a normal occurrence. A person who is three months post-ostomy is noticing significant hair loss daily and is curious if others have faced the same issue, especially since they haven't undergone any cancer treatments.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Consult a physician promptly:
- It's important to rule out any underlying medical issues such as anemia, thyroid problems, or severe nutrient deficiencies.
- Request blood work and a general health evaluation, as an ileostomy can sometimes lead to malabsorption.

2. Hair loss 2-4 months after major surgery is common and usually temporary:
- This is often a typical response to the body's "trauma" from surgery, anesthesia, medications, or intense stress.
- Many people report that shedding begins around the third month and resolves within 4-12 months, with full regrowth.

3. Nutrition can influence shedding and recovery:
- Try to increase your intake of protein-rich foods like eggs, full-fat dairy, red meat, and chicken.
- Ensure your overall caloric and micronutrient intake is adequate, especially after an ileostomy or colostomy.

4. Be patient; hair often returns with changed texture or color:
- Regrowth may appear darker, thicker, wavier, softer, or otherwise different, but this can normalize over time.

5. Practical coping tips:
- Consider shorter haircuts to make shedding less noticeable.
- If regrowth is slow, affordable wigs are available from suppliers like Paula Young in the U.S.

6. Summary reassurance:
- Many have experienced similar post-surgical hair loss that eventually stopped without intervention. However, it's advised to combine patience with a medical check-up to exclude treatable deficiencies.
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