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Will Hair Grow Back After Bulimia?

Each day, the average loss of hair per person is 50 to 100 strands, according to All 4 Natural Health. When a person quickly loses large amounts of hair that exceeds the natural growth rate, baldness and thinning of the hair may develop. One of the several reasons for losing hair at a rapid pace is malnutrition, which can be caused by an eating disorder, known as bulimia.

  1. Bulimia

    • People who have bulimia engage in a harmful cycle of binge eating and purging or fasting and over-exercising. Signs that a person might have bulimia include eating uncontrollably, purging, strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise, vomiting blood, mood swings, swollen glands in the neck and face, heartburn, bloating, sore throat, indigestion, constipation, weakness, erratic periods, hair loss and bloodshot eyes, reports Mama's Health.

    Causes of Hair Loss

    • The hair cycle of growth is damaged by bulimia, because of starvation, gastric abnormalities or reduced vital organ performance, reports The Trichological Society. Bulimia temporarily disrupts the cycle of hair growth by skipping past anagen (hair re-growth) straight to telogen (hair loss). Unless treated properly for bulimia, hair loss will continue and possibly worsen.

    Treatments for Bulimia

    • In order to treat people diagnosed with bulimia and regain a normal head of hair, a combination of methods may be most effective. Antidepressants and psychotherapy are recommended for patients with bulimia. If someone has been suffering from bulimia for a long period of time and it has adversely affected their body, then medical care and nutritional therapy is also advised. Depending on the severity of the illness, some may even need to be hospitalized. Bulimia, even after successful treatment, may still surface later in life. It is a considered to be a chronic condition, says the Mayo Clinic, and learning to be positive, create healthy relationships and be able to cope with stress may help reduce the chances of bulimia recurring.

    Hair-Regrowth

    • The damage inflicted on a person's body by the eating disorder, especially as concerns hair loss, is not irreparable. Once the eating disorder is under control and replaced by a healthy diet, hair usually returns on its own, reports Dr. Pistone.com. Everyone heals differently and at a different rate. Hair re-growth may range from several months to a couple of years, depending on the person.

    Hair Re-growth Treatments

    • There are methods that will help facilitate the process of hair re-growth. Spirulina and chlorella provide the protein and nutrients that are required for hair re-growth. Essential oil scalp massage may help stimulate hair growth, by increasing blood supply and oxygen to the damaged areas. The energy and nutrients supplied by the oil may help to stimulate the dormant hair follicles.

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