This topic is about experiencing hair loss after having ileostomy surgery. The person who shared their story noticed their hair was falling out in large amounts and found out through blood tests that their thyroid hormone levels were low. Their doctor adjusted their thyroid medication, suspecting that the body wasn't absorbing it well. The person, who had always had healthy hair, is understandably upset and is reaching out to see if others with ileostomies have gone through the same thing and how they dealt with it.

Here are some helpful insights and advice from others who have experienced similar situations:

- Hair loss after surgery is often temporary. Many people reported losing 30-40% of their hair within a few months after surgery but saw it grow back fully in about six months as their bodies adjusted.

- Common causes of hair loss include major surgery, physical trauma, rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and high stress, which can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, a temporary hair shedding phase.

- Absorption issues can occur after surgery. Faster digestion can affect how well your body absorbs nutrients and medications, especially those that are coated or time-released. It might be helpful to talk to your doctor about switching to immediate-release medications. Also, getting blood tests to check levels of vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium is a good idea, as you might need prescription supplements.

- Some supplements that people and professionals often recommend include:
1. Biotin
2. Iron
3. Collagen
4. A general multivitamin

- Supporting your body with a good diet and lifestyle can help. Focus on eating high-protein, balanced meals, getting enough calories, and finding ways to reduce stress, such as through light exercise.

- For topical help, a shampoo called "Nioxin," often used by chemotherapy patients, was mentioned as helping to slow down hair shedding and encourage regrowth.

- To cope with the cosmetic aspect of hair loss:
1. Consider buying a wig, either synthetic or made from human hair, to boost your confidence during heavy shedding.
2. A short, trendy haircut might make thinning less noticeable and make it easier to manage as your hair grows back.