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Suggest Treatment For Constipation And Hair Breakage
I'm a 31 year old female (5'9", 165 lbs) who's been healthy all her life, but in the last few years has been experiencing a number of chronic health issues that are bearable but are definitely bothersome.
Approximately 4 years ago, I started to notice a gradual intolerance to lactose products. (I'm unable to drink milk, but I'm usually ok with yogurt, cheese & some icecreams.) Even with the absence of milk from my diet, I’ve continued to experience persistent bloating, a constant gassy stomach and minor swelling in my thighs.
About 2 years ago, immediately after a week long trip to an area where the climate was much more dry, I noticed how "irregular" I became. Prior to this trip, I would regularly pass stool every morning and some evenings, but since then I may pass stool every other 2nd day if I'm lucky. Often I may go 4 days without passing any stool. My diet hasn't changed much, except that I try and eat more fibre and drink more water in attempt to alleviate the situation.
In the last year and half, I started to notice in addition to the minor swelling in my thighs, it was often accompanied by persistent, minor swelling in my feet and toes.
About 10 months ago, I started to experience severe hair breakage, which shortened my hair by about 4 inches in the first 6 months. I also noticed that my hair had become so dry, brittle and the individual strands had become much thinner. In the last 7 months, I started drinking soya milk daily (to make up for my lack of calcium intake) and I’ve noticed that the breakage has slowed down but I’m unsure if the 2 are related.
I’m not sure what could be causing all of these unpleasant symptoms. Could several different things be causing all of these symptoms? And how do I get rid of/alleviate these symptoms?
Approximately 4 years ago, I started to notice a gradual intolerance to lactose products. (I'm unable to drink milk, but I'm usually ok with yogurt, cheese & some icecreams.) Even with the absence of milk from my diet, I’ve continued to experience persistent bloating, a constant gassy stomach and minor swelling in my thighs.
About 2 years ago, immediately after a week long trip to an area where the climate was much more dry, I noticed how "irregular" I became. Prior to this trip, I would regularly pass stool every morning and some evenings, but since then I may pass stool every other 2nd day if I'm lucky. Often I may go 4 days without passing any stool. My diet hasn't changed much, except that I try and eat more fibre and drink more water in attempt to alleviate the situation.
In the last year and half, I started to notice in addition to the minor swelling in my thighs, it was often accompanied by persistent, minor swelling in my feet and toes.
About 10 months ago, I started to experience severe hair breakage, which shortened my hair by about 4 inches in the first 6 months. I also noticed that my hair had become so dry, brittle and the individual strands had become much thinner. In the last 7 months, I started drinking soya milk daily (to make up for my lack of calcium intake) and I’ve noticed that the breakage has slowed down but I’m unsure if the 2 are related.
I’m not sure what could be causing all of these unpleasant symptoms. Could several different things be causing all of these symptoms? And how do I get rid of/alleviate these symptoms?
Mon, 8 Apr 2019
Hi,
This may be are related to IBS and chronic constipation (spasms). That is particularly true when you consume foods like nuts or popcorn that would trigger spasms of the bowel.
I suggest running colonoscopy to exclude organic problems first. With regards to finding blood floating in the toilet after you pass the motion, that would be related to possible:
- fissures due to chronic constipation
- hemorrhoids
In both cases, you need to take measures to reduce constipation that would trigger such problems:
- do more physical activity
- increase water consumption
- take more foods high in fiber content
- fiber supplements can help
- can use laxatives once in a while to improve the symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
This may be are related to IBS and chronic constipation (spasms). That is particularly true when you consume foods like nuts or popcorn that would trigger spasms of the bowel.
I suggest running colonoscopy to exclude organic problems first. With regards to finding blood floating in the toilet after you pass the motion, that would be related to possible:
- fissures due to chronic constipation
- hemorrhoids
In both cases, you need to take measures to reduce constipation that would trigger such problems:
- do more physical activity
- increase water consumption
- take more foods high in fiber content
- fiber supplements can help
- can use laxatives once in a while to improve the symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
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