April 14 2006, 2:29 pm PT | Posted in: Hair Loss Causes
I have been taking propecia for over 5 years and have not had a problem with thinning hair, until the past 6 months or so. I started taking Flax seed oil 1000 mg twice a day (which has a combo of omega 3, 6, and 9) one year ago recommended by my eye doctor for a dry eye condition. Now I notice my hair on the crown and front has become thinner and soft, and it seems more hair is falling out daily. Is it possible I’m losing hair due to too much flax seed oil?
I doubt that flax seed oil caused your hair loss. I have not read anywhere that an omega 3,6,9 combo is associated with hair loss, but many people feel that we are what we eat. Simple vitamins in very high doses can be harmful, when in normal doses they are beneficial. The same may apply to flax seed oil, but I really do not know and would only be speculating here.
Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):
I think I have the same problem. My hair is very, VERY thick,and I have lots of it. But Recently I began using Flax seed oil, and my hair falls out in huge clumps in the shower and every time I brush it, it looks like I’ve taken out a whole section of my hair. Could the Flax seed oil be causing this?
I am having the same problem as well. I having being taking way too much flax seed oil for a long time now and my hair has thinned a lot.
Yes…I think you are right. I started taking the flax seed oil capsules and I’ve noticed that not only is my hair looking more greasy, but it is definitely thinning at a faster rate. I’m hesitant to stop though because the flax seed oil has fixed my digestive problems. I’M SO TORN!!!!
I started using fax seed oil about 2 months ago and i notice that my hair has started to fall out in clonks. when i am in the shower i see clonks of hair. I have never had this problem in my life with hair loss.
Why not try pharmaceutical grade fish oil? Longer chain Omega 3’s and I’ve yet to read anywhere about hair loss. In fact, Dr. Andrew Weil, a Harvard educated physician and a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, states in an aricle I read that they may be beneficial to growth and even re-growth.
Wow! I just noticed that the improvement I had gotten over the past few months had reversed…and was wondering what i was doing differently. The only thing has been that I started using Flax See Oil (for the omega 3 benefits). I came on here to read of any correlation…that many ppl with the same problem must not be a coincidence. I am done with Flax see oil!!! (throwing out bottle)
Dear sir,
I am convinced that to much omega oil can cause hair loss. It can happen very quickly. I started taking a super omega oil, and now the crown of my head is almost bald. It has been very scarey for me. I really think that it was the fish oil. Please anyone feel free to respond.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Jackson
i have been on fish oil supplements for the last six months and i have suffered terrible hair loss…but then im not sure if its the supplements or the hair straightening i did 3 months back that has caused this hair loss…just oiling my hair with essential oils to pevent further loss…
I can’t believe this. I have been having the same problem. I started taking the flax oil earlier this year and then noticed about 4 months my hair was thinning. I think started to get super greasy hair. I use to be able to go about 3 days without washing and now 12 hours and it is incredibly greasy. My crown is what is thinning. Can someone please tell me if my hair will grow back??? I am not going to take this any more!
what??? don’t scare me, i just started using flax seed oil today!
I am beginning to think there may be some truth to this. My teenage son and I both take flaxseed oil. He takes it for his eczema and I take it to have dry skin. Not sure if this is a coincidence but over the months both he and I have been experiencing hair loss. My husband and daughter do not take it and they are fine.
Now I don’t know what to do. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about flaxseed but now I am beginning to have my doubts. Has there been any more studies on this?
sorry…I meant to say in the comment above that I take it for my dry skin!
Hi,
We all know that propecia (finasteride) decreases chances of prostate cancer.
It is interesting to find that “Flaxseed oil pills have high concentration of alpha-linolenic acids, which are linked to prostate cancer”
On the other hand though: “Flaxseed has anti-cancerous lignan”
“Lignan is a type of antioxidant phytoestrogen. Research revealed that lignan in flaxseed shows promising results in fighting disease, particularly cancer. Studies show that lignan possesses anti-cancer properties.”
The oil does not contain the lignans.
Here’s my source: http://www.healthcastle.com/flaxseed_vs_flaxseedoil.shtml
I am convinced that flaxseed oil causes hair loss. I started taking the recommended 2 teaspoons per day and withon a hair cycle. about three months, I noticed dramatic hair loss, in wads and fistfulls, so I will not take it anymore. Will stick to my olive oil, tofu, canola. etc.
I’ve had the same problem - but I was taking the ground up seeds for my digestion. I read this “A caution: you should not eat more than three or four tablespoons of raw flax seeds a day (we think one or two is plenty.) They contain cyanogen which is harmless in small amounts, but in large amounts can act to keep your thyroid from taking up enough iodine. Cyanogen is rendered inactive by cooking.” (from Dr Mirkin). I roasted the seeds first, before grinding them - and the hairloss stopped after a few weeks.
Check this out people. Regarding MSM & Hair Growth:
http://www.headofhair.co.uk/hair-loss-article-msm-study-13.html
My hair loss started 4 years ago after knee surgery. My crown area is completely bald and very thin in the frontal region (I was told not to worry, this happens alot when you have surgery and it will grow back,they were wrong). I started drinking and taking a green tea supplement along with grapeseed extract, cinnamon and honey (local honey) everyday. I actually started seeing some progress (not alot but thicker hair shaft). I was also using a tea tree shampoo. My wife started taking flaxseed for arthritis. I checked out the benefits and thought I should try it. Great for my knee since it was still giving me trouble (I haven’t taken an ibuprofen since using flaxseed) but my hair seems to be retreating. Glad I came across this site.
I have been taking fish oil capsules for the last six months and have experienced a lot of shedding, nothing else in my diet or my lifestyle has changed. There is clearly something wrong, considering all the feedback that has been received on this site with omega 3 fish and flaxseed oils. I have quit fish oil capsules entirely, hopefully the shedding will turn around to growth….fingers crossed.
Is it true? I starting taking fish oil thinking it was GOOD for hair.
Now it’s bad?
Are there any studies showing that?
I started taking an Omega 3 product with high ALA Flaxseed Oil a few months ago. My hair is (was!) very very thick and somewhat curly. I noticed incredible shedding and hair thinness one day after showering. It was alarming! This was the only thing that changed in my diet - adding this supplement. I feel that my skin has improved (over last year’s winter dryness) and I liked the idea of cardiovascular benefits, but I want my hair! I am giving the fish oil capsules up and am hoping for my full head of hair back.
I am now convinced… i started using flax oil 6 weeks ago and have severe hair loss ever since.
Since I stopped taking the flaxseed oil, it has been like night and day for me. My thick hair has returned! I am now convinced, too.
I had no idea other people had the same problem as me… I also got some bacne from the fish oil too. I thought it would go away, but then my hair started thinning at the crowns like crazy. I’ve stopped omega 3 usage and the thinning has subsided for now! Thank goodness I found this forum or I’d be bald. I’ll update in a month or two to report any regrowth of my hair.
It has to be androgen related. Omega 3’s really screwed with mine and thats why my hair fell out. Maybe because my body has never had omega 3’s it went crazy and started purging with acne/hair loss to tell me to stop hahaha.
Hi dear friends ,I thank God for giving me the chance to see this imformation because I was thinking to use flax seed oil for it’s benefit ,I thank all my friends for their good help and I hope your beautiful hairs to grow again
Thank you all, I was going to start taking flaxseed oil. I definitely will not!- FYI to all- i have been taking one a day for women and Vitamin C daily. My hair has been growing in healthy and longer but it will take some months to see results but it definitely works.
OMG - I have been taking Flax seed oil for about 4 months now due to a small excema patch on my foot and have lost almost 1/2 of my hair. We had to call a plumbing company for an a clog and the plumber insisted it was a hand towel in the drain but upon closer inspection it was my HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am very thankful that I found this site because I truly believe I would be bald in a matter of weeks if I continued taking the Flax seed oil.
Hey,
For the people who lost hair on fish and/or flax oil, how many of you have high metabolisms, acne problems, or heart palpitations? Are any of you diagnosed hyperthyroid?
thanks,
steve
Steve,
None of those problems for me you listed. I know for me when I stopped taking the pills my hair returned to its former state.
Good question tho.
Dear Jo,
Do you continue to eat fish or are you avoiding it all together?
Thanks,
Steve.
I have been taking fish oil for about a year and a half and I have been also taking flaxseed oil for almost 6-7 months. I have not had any hair lose problems at all. I believe the benifits of flax seed are increased hair growth and shine? Anyway sorry…
Hi Steve,
I don’t avoid fish at all - just the flaxseed oil/Omega 3 capsules.
Jo, I noticed you said that you had thinning all over your hair? this could have been Telogen effluvium, a condition where your body loses hair after a cycle due to a shock from a dramatic life change or dietary change. I think, in your case, the omega 3’s caused your hairs to fall out in “shock” (the high dosage probabaly) but they ‘usually’ grow back for people suffering from this ailment. You said your hair returned after discontinuing use, so I’m glad!
Now for myself, and a few others, I noticed a correlation between excessive scalp oil and crown thinning (and in my case, excessive facial oil). I believe the omega 3 oil had a dramatic effect on our androgen levels, clogged up hair follicles with all that sebum, and thus caused premature hair loss for us. I’m still not clear as to how or why this happened, but surely it did for me and for a few others who posted here as well. I’d like to know more from people who experienced thinning hair at their crown and or extremely oily hair from fish or flax oil. (dosage, duration, and current diet)
comment here or toss me an email @ smricha1@uncc.edu
Hey I have been taking fish oil omega three for about six months one capsule in the morning and for the last 40 or so days I have been taking a flaxseed oil at night, and have noticed increased shedding, and thinning I am 25 with no history of balding on either side of the family tree, as I am stopping the oils now how long before I notice a change. Ex: hair growing back or what not
Wow, thank god for Google searches! I’ve been taking Flaxseed oil capsules (8×1000mg/day) and DHEA (4×25mg/day) to support testosterone production in my body. I love the results as far as muscle growth and fat burning but my hair has been falling out at an alarming rate lately. I had no clue the two might be related.
Needless to say those supplements are in the trash right now.
Hello,
What is a safe dose of fish oil for hair ?
I take 2 grams daily for dry skin .Is it good ?
I read that too much marine oiles can over stimulate immune system and deplete alopecia
I’m so glad i came across this website. I have been on flaxeed oil for soooo long & have lost most of my hair. I thought I was taking it to make my hair thicker but it was the reverse but i had no idea??? My mum recommended it to me after reading some health book. Oh dear….I just swallowed one after dinner! I’m definitely going to stop taking them!!!
thanks to all of you for the info I really appreciate it.
Dawn
I started taking flaxseed oil, B12 and E for the past 6 months and notice hair loss. I did not know if any of these could be the cause. From these comments I see that many people are having and issue with laxseed oil. Has anyone who experienced hair loss and stopped taking the oil notice their hair grow back or is it permanent?
Dear Jo,
How long did yr hair take to grow back?
Hi Dawn,
It took about 2 months after I stopped taking the flaxseed oil to feel like I had my regular head of hair back. It has been about 7 months now and I never had any repeat episodes - my hair is still very full and thick.
Hope this is the answer for you too.
I have been taking flax seed oil for about 3 - 4 years and my hair started to shed excessively as well. I didn’t think it was the flax seed but another herb that I was taking. I stoppped that herb but continued with the flax seed (using the ground milled because it is supposed to help lower cholesterol). The shedding had decreased afterwards and I had stopped taking the flax seed for several weeks and the shedding decreased some more; but not realizing the flax seed was causing some of the shedding I started taking it again and have noticed that the shedding has increased. I noticed more hair was coming out than normal when I blow dried it. After reading these blogs I will stop using the flax seed and see what happens. I do hope that it grows back. I have started using the Nioxin shampoo system to see if it will strengthen my scalp to where it used to be.
I am experiencing the same symptoms as well. I began to observe hair loss and thinning after using flax seed oil capsules for 4 months. Can someone explain why this happens?
Well,after reading the comments u guys hav posted/…i dont think flax seed oil would a be good idea..does it really affect ur hair? i was taking supplements,which i had to stop cause of sudden hairfall..but now its much better since ive stopped…i was going to start having flax seed oil but i guess it would be a wrong move..!!would it?
Perhaps someone can help me. I have been taking Flax Seeds, not Flax seed oil, for the past year after reading an article that claims the Lignans found in the actual Flax seeds, not the oil type, helps prevent the loss of hair. My hair has thinned slowly over the past few years but nothing alarming and it is not greasy like some people claim the oil has caused them. I definitely will not take Flax seed oil after reading about the negative experiences people have with it, but does anyone know if the ground up Flax seeds can accelerate hair loss?
Below is a link claiming that the Flax seeds, not the Flax seed oil, helps prevent hair loss. It’s hard to figure one form causes hair loss while in another form it prevents hair loss. I’m confused as to what to believe.
http://www.flaxseedshop.com/content/Flax-Seed-and-Hair.asp
I have been rechearching for 8 months to try to find reason for my hair loss, I stopped my HRT thinking it was the hormones, All my blood work came back fine, I have been losing hair for about a year it’s really bad, on top and sides, I take a lot of vitamins but on same ones for 9 years. BUt I did start ground flaxseed a year ago, I was just going down the liost and thought I would check on comments about flaxseed. WELL I HAVE TO THANK EVERYONE, I will be stopping the flaxseed as of today, I hope We found the solution to our hair loss. THANKS EVERYONE
I too am done with flaxseeds. It would help if a warning were placed on the product and possible side effect of hair loss. I’m convinced, whether taking ground flax seeds or flax seed oil, it accelerates hair loss. Perhaps the retailers prop the flax seeds so our hair falls out and then they can sell us their crap, ineffective products for millions of dollars which do little more than decrease libido and empty our wallets. It’s like a tire salesman dumping nails on the road to increase business.
FLAX SEED OIL AND INCIDENTALLY OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS DO NOT CAUSE HAIR LOSS. YOU PEOPLE ARE RETARDED. AND EVEN IF IT DID, WHICH IT DOES NOT, YOU WOULDN”T SEE IT IN 6 WEEKS! WOW. I FEEL BETTER ABOUT MYSELF AFTER READING THESE INANE COMMENTS.
I posted back in 07 about my hair loss which has stopped since giving up fish oils. I came across an article about the dangers of fish oils in large quantities and also the dangers of vegetable oils and their effects on the thyroid that can also have a profound effect on your hairline.
http://www.heall.com/body/healthupdates/food/saturatedfat.html
PS: Derek, you may think it inane, but to disregard people’s real concerns over their hair loss, clearly you are not the owner of a quickly receding hairline. Any help would be appreciated instead of criticism.
Well, despite Derek - who really shouldn’t feel THAT good about himself — I didn’t get to this site by mistake. I started seeing hair loss recently and the only thing I’ve done differently is add an Ultimate Omega-3 supplement as of about 6 weeks ago.
It’s known that Omega-3 can CAUSE inflammation in rare cases, which is the opposite of its usual benefits. So it stands to reason that while it might be good for most people’s hair, it can cause hair loss in a few. I guess we are the rare instances…..
I am shocked to read all your horrible experiences with Omega 3! But I fear, I have to report a very similar problem.
I already have hair loss since June 2008. My endocrinologist and dermatologist refer the cause to hormones, because I changed from to strongest contraceptive to a lesser strong also in June.
The next weeks and months I realized an increasingly amount of hair loss. Due to the fact that I also was on a 1350 calories diet for weight reduction I supposed that the cause also could base on a lack of essential fats. So I started to take SALOMON OIL FISH CAPSULES, 6×500 mg per day.
This was two months ago. And ALSO TWO MONTHS AGO my hair loss curiously started to increase! I was deeply depressed and asked myself, what in the whole world was wrong with me.
Since that time I am loosing about 150-300 hairs a day. Three weeks ago I started with minoxidil 5%, and now I get shedding.
Yesterday I lost 400, today 300-350 hairs. 
Regarding the overwhelming experiences from here I will now quit taking salomon oil capsules! And I thought they were good for hair growth…
Marion,
The minoxidil really works but initially the shedding picks up. Hang in there….
I am not really conviced that omega 3,6 causes hair loss. If so many asians should be bald since their diets are based on fish.
I am not conviced that omega 3,6 causes hair loss. If so many asians should be bald since their diets are based on fish
Would massaging flax seed oil into the scalp (mixed with olive oil) have the same shedding effect. I was thinking that applying some essential fatty acids directly to the scalp might nourish the folicles which i am missing due to being a vegetarian. I got the idea after reading about the hair regrowth characteristics of emu oil which contain those very same Essential Fatty acids, unless i’m mistaken.
Edit: Found this article and am now truely frightened away from using flax seed either topicly or internally. Maybe someone here can clear this up. Estrogen dominance is the culprit of MPB?. I always thought it was due to excess testosterone.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Popular-Hair-Loss-Supplement-You-Might-Be-Taking-Causes-Faster-Hair-Loss!&id=807383
^ I apologize, the link I posted is an article also linked to snake oil wonder cures for hair loss and I in now way have anything to do with that business nor do i endorse spam. I really would know if IT IS just a bunch of nonsensical marketing scare mongering or genuine. Sorry again.
I have been taking Flaxseed oil pills for at least a year and I have shedding and baldness around my temple area’s. I going to stop taking them today. I believe that it’s the pills because it doesn’t matter what I do to my hair it still is shedding.
I started taking what is marketed as a good quality cod liver oil and a few weeks later my hair started falling out. I had always had very long and very thick hair. The only difference I had made in my diet before my hair starting falling out was the taking of the CLO. I stopped the CLO but my hair loss had been very, very quick and dramatic - within about 3 weeks of the loss beginning it was so bad that I shaved my head. I still really didn’t think it was the CLO and put it down, primarily, to experiencing a very cold winter while living in a shed (while building). Part way into summer my hair started growing back - four and a half months after the loss. It was doing fairly well. Three months later I began taking CLO again and the hair loss started again. Once again I stopped the CLO but really didn’t think that could be the cause as I know it is supposed to be hugely beneficial to your health. Seven months later my hair has mostly grown back but is thin and white in a circular pattern around the head. I had just started taking CLO again a few weeks ago and flax seed oil two weeks ago. I’ll now stop both. I’ve tried everything to help stop the hair loss and then regenerate growth but can’t say I’ve found anything that helped dramatically either way and because the loss stopped gradually, then the hair has grown back slowly, it is difficult to say if anything I’ve been taking/doing has helped. It’s been great to read that I’m not the only one and I’ve got accustomed to looking a bit strange, with very short patchy hair, but I still find it challenging at times, going out in public without a hat.
Flax seed oil turns RANCID very quickly! You should never buy or take flax seed oil or supplements that are NOT refridgerated! Once the oil is rancid it can actually be toxic to your body! This is probably the real culprit of the hair loss. I take only Refridgerated Flax seed oil and have noticed a considerable increase in hair growth…I have actually been losing hair over the last five or so years…hereditary…but now it is getting thicker. When using Flax seed oil…NEVER use it to cook and take it within fifteen minutes of pouring it out of the bottle or it will become rancid. As for flax seeds…buy them whole…they can last months without becoming rancid(but keep refridgerated or frozen)…but do not eat them whole because your body cannot digest them whole…instead grind them in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on salad or whatever and eat them within fifteen minutes of grinding. A good rule of thumb…if the flax seed oil tastes or smells fishy…it is rancid. Good flax seed oil will have a nutty smell/taste. Many oils can go rancid over time…but flax seed goes rancid rapidly and again…rancid flax seed oil is toxic!! Always buy the oil in refridgerated form in a DARK bottle and keep in the fridge and pay attention to the expiration date. Usually you can only find it refridgerated at a health food store. Supplement capsule form is almost always rancid before you even buy it because it is kept on the shelf. Also refridegerated oil only has a two to three week life before turning rancid…so unless you use a lot on a short amount of time…buy small bottles. Anyway…I found this article because my hair has been growing and getting thicker since I started using flax seed oil about two months ago so I was was searching to see if it was due to that. Be very careful with any oil(or oil supplement) but especially Flax seed and know what kind of shelf life it has before going rancid!
One more thing…if you buy Flax seeds…buy them whole and grind them yourself…do NOT buy preground…otherwise they too will be rancid before you buy them. And just a FYI…rancid=spoiled….rancid=toxic!!
I give my dog an Omega Blend which has a mixture of cold pressed (this is essential!) flax seed oil, shark liver oil, sunflower oil and wheat germ oil. This mixture ensures that the Omega 3, 6 and 9 are correctly balanced. Her coat has become thick and lustrus and shiny and her dry eye is also basically fixed if I make sure I give it to her reguarly (1/2 - 1 tsp every 1-2 days). At one stage the oil was not refrigerated when she was at the vets and then she fought against taking it but as soon as I bought a new bottle she licks it off the spoon as she used to.
I think the balance of oils is the problem, not the oil itself. The Western A Price website says you should always take Cod Liver Oil with Butter Oil…
Thank goodness for this website! I am a female age 29 and have always had a full/thick head of hair (so thick I often complained about it being too thick!). Alpopecia (genetic) does not run in my family (no one on either side suffered)and I haven’t been diagnosed with any medical problems suggestive of/ related to hair thinning/loss. Over the past several months I have been noticing the top of my head and especially the widow’s peak are extremely thinned out and I’ve been freaking out that I may be losing my hair. After cogitating over the issue day and night for the past several weeks, I began to wonder if this loss could be due to the 3000 mg of Flaxseed oil I’ve been taking for 6 mos. now. My hair seems to be getting thinner by the day & I recently upped my dose of FO to 4000 mg because I read it was soooooo good for you! I liked it at first because it seemed to clear up my oily/acne prone skin, but I want my hair back! Will post in a few months to let you know if it does. Please, do not take this oil if you value your thick head of hair!
Re taking the cod liver oil with butter oil - I was doing this but am wondering whether the cod liver oil had become rancid. I’d kept it in the fridge but I can’t remember exactly how long it had been opened. I think one lot was freshly opened, but one lot was a few months old.
My hair is finally growing fairly well again. It may be coincidence, but I’ve been taking something called MSM which apparently provides sulphur, and nettles in a powdered form. Actually, I’ve tried heaps and heaps of things, but improvement in hair growth coincided with taking the last two. I’ve also been taking Evening Primrose Oil occasionally, in capsule form, but am wondering if this can become rancid. I guess so, seeing as it’s an oil.
I have been searching post on Flax Seed Oil.
I have had a phonominum to accur while using flax seed oil.
I am 44 years old and pre-mature grey at the age of 30.
I started using flax seed on the advice of my dietician , to help me in changing my diet due to diabetes. Here is the phonominum , with in one month of taking one 1000 mg flax seed oil capsules twice a day . In one month I noticed my grey hair was returning to is natural color. I was so amazed. My wife asked did you color your hair ? I said no - She was totaly upset because she like the grey. I on the other hand felt I have found the fountain of youth- words could not discribe.
I know everyone’s body chemistry id dif. and this may not have the same effect to others .
I would like to hear from those that have had this same phonominum to happen with flax seed oil. Please email me at shane_mcguirt@bellsouth.net
Thanks
This is my first post on this forum which I discovered in searching the internet for any connection between hair re-growth and flax seed use.
A few years ago, I began incorporating flax seeds into my diet as a inexpensive means of adding fiber, lignans and ALA (the main Omega-3 in flax) after having read a book on flax. Within 8-12 weeks I made a stark discovery: that my hair became noticeably thicker and stronger with some moderate regrowth as well. Formerly, I had fine, thinning hair that was easily combed/brushed. Now, I am happy to report that brushing my hair requires considerably more effort to style and for the past several years have held any additional hair loss completely in check.
As it turns out, what I discovered is this: there is a lignan compound in flax seeds that inhibits the production of an enzyme that converts testosterone into di-hydro testosterone (DHT) which is the chemical that builds up in aging males and begins to destroy hair follicles. Of course, flax seed oil contains no lignan compounds and will most likely not prove to be beneficial (and, as it appears from reading through these posts) that it may actually encourage hair loss if used to excess.
Hope this helps.
Michael
Flax seeds will most definitely assist in hair regrowth as I am a living example. A few years ago I incorporated 2-3 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seed in my diet and within 12 weeks I noticed that my formerly, fine thinning hair was growing in with considerably more thickness and strength such that brushing was a more arduous task than it had been formerly. I also noticed some regrowth as well and to this day (some 3 years into my regimen) I have kept hair loss completely in check.
As it turns out, flax seeds contain a particular lignan compound (lignans are absent in flax seed oil by the way) that inhibits the production of an enzyme that converts testosterone into di-hydro testosterone (DHT), the chemical compound that is the leading agent for promoting hair follicle destruction in male pattern baldness.
Hope this helps.
Michael
I have been taking fish oil for about 6 months, I noticed hair loss within a few weeks. My hair now it so thin and I loose sooo much hair everyday, I haven’t taken it for about two weeks. Has anyone noticed their hair loss improving after stopping fish/flaxseed oil?
Hello everyone. I’ve been checking out the comments here since about September, and decided today that I must post. I “encountered” alopecia almost a year ago. It started with one spot in the back late January 2008 and by the end of April, I had only a few sprigs on my whole head. It’s been devastating. I’ve seen two dermatologists and an acupuncturist (none of whom has really been very helpful, so I cry a lot). I’ve asked all of the right questions, such as, could it be something I’m ingesting. The doctors say no, it’s just your immune system in overdrive.
I however, am certain it is something I ingested, that being flax oil and flax seeds. When this condition began, I was using both: I’d take the capsules and sprinkle the seeds on just about everything. After finding this website I decided to stop using any form of flax. That was in October. I think that, in conjunction with Clobetasol ointment that the dermatologist prescribed, has contributed to a modest hair regrowth in some (though not enough) areas.
Then I read the last couple of posts here and on Jan. 5 and decided I would try using flax seeds again. I used a small amount daily (I missed one day), a little less than a tablespoon sprinkled on oatmeal.
Today I was horrified to see that I am shedding hairs. I have dumped the flax seeds in the trash. I think flax products are probably beneficial to most folks, and it is us rare ones who have a hair loss reaction to it. I intend to tell the dermatologist about this, but I don’t expect to be taken seriously.
My recommendation is that if you are using flax products and you see hair loss, trash the flax immediately.
deecee
The overwhelming majority CANNOT BE WRONG, especially women who usually don’t have as big a problem as men with hair loss. I am done with ‘flax oil’ starting now! For anyone who have been taking commercially advertised products, I read that as soon as you stop using (any and all of)these harsh chemicals, hair loss accelerates noticeably.
From a nutritional standpoint we tend overdo things in this society, believing that if regular, small doses are beneficial, mega-doses must be even better. Recall too, that flax oil by itself contains no lignans and therefore lacks the prime ingredient which ihibits the production of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme which converts Testosterone into DHT. Just 2 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seed a day–that’s all it takes.
In this way, you are ingesting the flax product as a FOOD and not as a concentrated, clincally derived nutritional supplement that does not comport with the body’s natural biochemical processes.
Can people who have experienced hair loss, and then found it regrowing, please comment on what they think helped the hair to grow again?
what is wrong with you people? are you all working in a radiation factory or something? My wife and I started taking ground flax seeds every day, (two table spoons) she had lost some hair due to pregnancy and it was hereditary for me, and within a few months my hair got thicker around the crown and the temples, little hairs started to grow. My wifes hair is thick again!
Man, I’m glad I saw this. I’m, 29 male, no balding history in the family and I was having some issues as well. My eye doctor recommended fish oil against the dry eye I was having after lasik surgery. For some reason I had the feeling that it was the fish oil causing my hair to thin at an alarming rate. After reading all these posts I will stop an see what happens.
Just one comment about the flax seeds vs the oil only:
Our bodies developed over millions of years eating NATURAL unprocessed foods. Not capsules or other similar crap. PROCESSED FOODS ARE KILLING US !!!! or making us bald, which is almost as bad. We really need to get back to the natural stuff. I always thought the natural foods people are just a bunch of crazies but I think I get it now … I’m suspecting that’s why the seeds are helping but not the oil alone.
I’m gonna be real mad at my eye doctor if my hair loss reverses.
P.S. Somebody needs to do a study on this. Any additional thoughts on this after seeing all these posts Dr. Rassman?
It’s a serious issue, in which there is no place for suggesting that something is wrong “with you people” with comments that we work in a “radiation factory or something.” TK, your comments about processed foods are on the right track. You can add prescription drugs to the list, even those commonly used to (unsuccessfully) treat alopecia, with their many injurious side effects. In my opinion, the medical/insurance “industry” isn’t too interested in truly researching alopecia. A basic knowledge of how the body functions will inform anyone that alopecia doesn’t just happen. There is a cause. I’d be interested in knowing if anyone here has consulted someone in the health care profession about there alopecia, specifically, a naturopathic/homeopathic practitioner. Seems to me to be the way to go, and I’ll post regularly to keep you abreast of my progress.
I’ve consulted lots of health care professionals - naturopath, kineseologist, 2 TCM drs, 2 medical practitioners - nothing worked - although I declined the steroid treatment suggested by the medical practitioner.
Wow.Im a holistic health practitioner.what an eyeful.got this link off NaturallyCurly.com.Looking for natural hair products.Like a flaxseed hair gel(I just Made), after soaking seeds for 8 hrs, now im “uncooking them in a rehydrator overnite at 115 degrees, making it a live food, preserving the enymes.Some call this sprouting,(or a raw,live, food)but the seeds are easier to digest.taste great.I had heard that eating the raw,ground seeds could cause certain problems, but not this.Funny thing, when I quit using sulfate containing shampoos,purchased a whole house water filter(chlorine in water breaks off hair)My hair quit breaking off completely.But also around the same time, started only using the sprouted seeds, in smoothies, when I used it.MMMMMMM?????????Michele B.HHP
“what is wrong with you people? are you all working in a radiation factory or something? My wife and I started taking ground flax seeds every day, (two table spoons) she had lost some hair due to pregnancy and it was hereditary for me, and within a few months my hair got thicker around the crown and the temples, little hairs started to grow. My wifes hair is thick again!”
Exactly the point I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET ACROSS. Read my posts #65 and #69 people!!
Heres my situation, I would appreciate any advice.
I am now taking 1000mg of krill oil as of today (supposed to be stronger than fish oil), and I never eat seafood at all (don’t eat fish, nothing) . I am already balding a little bit (not because the krill oil, as I just started today).
I am now really scared that I may lose more hair, but also have been told that since I get no seafood I need this…. dang.
Thanks so much to those who read this or reply.
Here’s a question for everyone who appears to have had a bad reaction with their hair and using flax: Prior to your hair shedding, did you have any type of prescription medication, even very short-term use, as short as 3-5 days? Again remember, what is good or works (or has no impact) for one person could have negative effects on another. Prescription medications may have some interaction that we have overlooked. I’m certain that that is what happened in my case.
Flax seeds will most definitely assist in hair regrowth as I am a living example. A few years ago I incorporated 2-3 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seed in my diet and within 12 weeks I noticed that my formerly, fine thinning hair was growing in with considerably more thickness and strength such that brushing was a more arduous task than it had been formerly. I also noticed some regrowth as well and to this day (some 3 years into my regimen) I have kept hair loss completely in check.
As it turns out, flax seeds contain a particular lignan compound (lignans are absent in flax seed oil by the way) that inhibits the production of an enzyme that converts testosterone into di-hydro testosterone (DHT), the chemical compound that is the leading agent for promoting hair follicle destruction in male pattern baldness.
Hope this helps.
I stumbled across this thread and I think the same thing happened to me regarding hair loss and Omega oils.
The difference though in my case is that I don’t take flax seeds or the oil. It’s fish oil from a Geniune Health product.
I’ve always had a full head of hair. People have always made remarks about it. My hair is almost straight. Never noticed anyt thinning before.
I started taking the fish oil around the beginning of last year. Around mid-summer people at work were commenting that my hair was thinning. Particularily around the crown.
Of course I was upset and mystified at how quickly it seemed to appear. To be honest, I’m in my early 40’s so this may just be age.
But after reading this and the numerous people reporting hair loss from flax seeds/oil I think there might be a connection between my hair thinning and the fish oil I take.
The dosage is high.
Each half teaspoon contains 2157 mg from sardines and anchovy.
The EPA amount is 1078mg while the DHA is 54mg.
And to be honest a lot of the times I take more than half a teaspoon.
I originally took this product for the cardio benefits and the claims that high dosage of this ratio helps with moods.
Now over a year later, I’m going to stop taking this and see what happens.
I’m currently taking Pumpkin Seeds oil and Saw Palmetto in the mean time but might drop these to see what happens next.
Keeping my fingers crossed…..
Todd wrote:
“But after reading this and the numerous people reporting hair loss from flax seeds/oil I think there might be a connection between my hair thinning and the fish oil I take.”
Just to be clear, people posting here have reported on an apparent link between flax seed OIL use and hair loss, not with the whole flax seeds themselves, which I and Tommy (post #71) have stated has the opposite effect on hair.
My goodness, this can be an exercise in frustration. Probably what I need to do is produce an informecial on consuming freshly ground flax seeds for hair restoration to get people’s attention.
I had this problem too when i was taking flaxseed, now my hair is coming out as well:(
Tie,
Can you elaborate, please? I have checked every post in this thread and in every case, to the best of my determination, those that experienced hair loss were solely using FLAX SEED OIL and not the raw flax seed itself.
has hair lost due to these oils regrown for u guys? i’m not seeing many people return to post their experiences after stopping the oil.i have been taking fish oil capsules for 3 months now. triple strength 2x/day and my hair has been shedding. i just now put two and two together. how long before regrowth takes place?
is it the vitamin a in the oil that is cauing the hair loss. anyone experiencing other symptoms of excessive vitamin a intake, like liver problems or joint pain?
Re post 85, I’m on to my 4th cycle of hair loss now. Each time it has taken approx. 3 months to 6 months after I’ve stopped taking the oil for my hair to start regrowing - I’ve experienced hair loss twice with cod liver oil (it was only after the 2nd time and knowing that CLO was the only change I could think of that I made the link and found this site). The third time I started taking Evening Primrose Oil and my hair, which was was growing well again, began falling out again and I lost my eyebrows! Nearly a month ago, my hair was growing back all over with only a couple of very small bald spots - still no eyebrows - so I thought I’d test it again, seeing as my hair is still very very short and I was very curious - I bought a different but still good quality brand of CLO, to try one more time before my hair started getting length to it and about 10 days later I lost most of the eyelashes from one eye. The hair loss always occurs around 2 weeks after I start taking the oil - give or take a few days.
I wondered about Vit A overload, but does Evening Primrose Oil have Vit A?
I haven’t had prescription medication ( in reply to post 79) for years and years.
I’m wondering about rancidity being an issue. There was nothing else that I started taking at the time that I began the Evening Primrose Oil.
I’m still taking Vit E in oil form, but otherwise am not going to take anymore oils, fish or otherwise.
Julie
Julie said:
“I’m on to my 4th cycle of hair loss now. Each time it has taken approx. 3 months to 6 months after I’ve stopped taking the oil for my hair to start regrowing - I’ve experienced hair loss twice with cod liver oil (it was only after the 2nd time and knowing that CLO was the only change I could think of that I made the link and found this site). The third time I started taking Evening Primrose Oil and my hair, which was was growing well again, began falling out again and I lost my eyebrows!”
Why would you continue taking these sort of supplements after your bad experiences? It’s like I stated (by now 2 or 3 times) that Evening Primrose oil, Cod Liver oil, Omega-3 laden Fish oil, Flax oil, etc. is highly concentrated and probably most people posting here are taking WAY too much of it. Evening Primrose is not a high source of Vit. A by the way, but rather contains high levels of Vit. E, prostoglandins and is a highly potent source of an omega-6 EFA, known as gamma-linolenic acid. The above can be found in more human health-friendly amounts and managable levels in the whole flax seed and hemp seed.
Why don’t you people TRY EATING FOOD once and for all and give up on ingesting handfuls of concentrated, clincally manufactured goo? This culture is just far too hung up on expensive, ultra-concentrated supplements.
julie, i’m sorry and i really hope that u have full and lasting regrowth. i have a lot of experience with illness and natural healing and attempted healing w pharmaceuticals. at the end of the day, all i have concluded is that michael is right. our bodies have evolved over millions of years. they are immensely complicated. it really is naive to think that we could outsmart our physiology w a pill or what have u. modern medicine hasnt been around long enough to compete.
i have more hope in areas that have been around for hundreds of years, like ayurveda. they say that certain oils are good for your hair, but as topicals, nothing to be ingested.
i think if u give urself enough time, ur body will find a way to revive ur hair and restore its balance. we really just end up getting in our own way with these different concoctions that we try.
best of luck!
Thank God for the internet and this blog. I was getting seriously depressed trying to figure out why my hair was falling. Trust me I would have been fully bald in a couple of weeks had I not discovered this. Have been on various medicine courses and diet plans for many months now. Even my doctor couldn’t understand what was wrong. She kept blaming me for not taking medicines on time etc. Finally I started googling on general reasons for hair fall and eventually reached here. Never occurred to me that something so simple could be causing it.
Going back to my memory, I now see the hair fall started almost immediately after I started taking cod liver capsules.
Scalp does not itch or scale, hair just keeps falling out - even when I run my hand through it. Once just to test hair strength, I tried pulling out a little and was horrified to find a whole tuft came out painlessly !
Another symptom is greasy skin. I have had very dry skin for practically my entire life and now my face just oozes oil all the time.
There is definitely a link between cod liver/ flax seed oil and hair loss. May not be the case for the majority of the population (this topic started in 2006), but for few who are genetically or otherwise wired to be susceptible to whatever these things contain.
Am praying my hair grows back soon.
Have two very simple tips for hair loss that really worked before I started taking this poison.
1) Rub your fingernails 5-7 mins 2 times a day
2) Yogic exercise shirshasan 2 times a day - basically means standing on head.
How these exercises exactly work I do not know - I only know they definitely work over a couple of months.
Happy growing….
A few months ago, I started massaging oil into my very long hair- (everyday) .. I have very dry hair you see…. as a result …I have lost so much hair!!!!…It use to be very thick.. now it is thin!…I just started taking flaxseed oil a few days ago!!- so glad I came across this site!!.. might give the oils a miss I think.. from now on I’m staying away from oils, internally and topically!..
OMG, I am having the same problem. In the shower i see a buch of hair and when i just run my fingers through my hair a whole bunch just comes out!! I am actually taking biotin, fish oil and borage oil. I swear im losing hair like crazy.. over the weekend I didnt take it and call it a coinsidence but when i run my fingers through my hair nothing comes out!!
ill keep you posted…
I’m 22 and 2 years ago I started incorporating a lot of omega-3 fatty acids - mainly from fish- in my diet and at the same time limiting the amount of omega6’s. Since then I took a moderate amount of cod liver oil and fish oils (approx. 0.5gr/day). Since a year ago I have noticed hair loss. To the contrary, I thought that omega 3 oils are anti-inflammatory and may promote hair growth. By the time I came across this blog, I was completely unaware of the existence of this kind of negative correlation. I’m desperate.
Just to update everyone, I’m continuing to use 2 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seed every day along with some hemp protein powder and the results on my hair have been nothing short of phenomenal. The consistent use of flax seeds has done so much to restore, strengthen and thicken my formerly thinning hair.
hey everyone,
just came across this board and it seems quite scary. I’m currently taking a fish/flax blend called Theratears Nutrition which my eye doc gave me for dry eyes. It seems to be working. Eyes feel good, but face is a tad bit oily. The info on these is: 1g Flaxseed Oil, 450mg EPA (fish), 300mg DHA (fish), 183 IU Vitamin E (to preserve oils). Anyone take these and have hair probs with these? Perhaps you all are taking much higher dosages? Did the hair loss just affect your scalp or body hair too (eyebrows,eyelashes, etc.)? I would really like some insight on all this.
Thanks!
Hi Marc
I made the mistake of consuming flaxseed oil and fish oil, suffered terrible hair loss as a result. The oily face is one of the symptoms. My face and scalp became extremely oily. I once joked that you could lubricate a car engine with the oil that was coming off my head, only 2/3 hours after showering, my face and scalp was already getting very oily. Stop with the all the oil before it’s too late. Flaxseeds (not oil) seems to work OK. THe lignans in the seed appears to combat the negative effects of the estrogen raising response, caused by the oil(only) consumption. Good luck…
hi George,
I’m so torn. It does help my eyes a lot, but now I’m wondering if it’s worth it. How long after the fish/flax combo did ur loss happen? was it gradual/sudden? Was hair from other parts affected as well (face/eyebrows/lashes)? Do u remember the dosage you took? I was going to try something called Udo’s 3.6.9 (high in flax,sunflower,evening primrose) but got scared at such a high omega 3 content in them. I thought I was safe with the lower dose Theratears nutrition.
Marc
It’s been a little over a month since I stopped taking the fish oil capsules. Rate of hair fall has decreased but it’s still falling. Face and scalp still very oily. On the plus side, am seeing some hair growing back/ thickening in some pockets.
OMG! Like most of you I too stumbled on this site while researching the benefits of flaxseed. I saw another site that talked about all the great benefits flaxseed, flax oil, and ground flax have. Someone posted a question on that site asking about hair loss which got my attention and had me digging deeper into more sites on flax. I have been taking fish oil 2/day for the last month, and prior to that, off and on for some time, thinking they were helping. I have also been taking biotin for hair growth for a few weeks because I noticed my hair had become thin to the point of having to pay $$$ to add some hair extensions in to get some fullness but these are expensive. Today I purchased some ground flax but after reading all the comments, I am afraid to begin taking it despite claims to help lower cholesterol, help with asthma, and help with skin complexion…all things I was interested in. Now I feel as though I should toss the fish oil and flax. Has anyone seen benefits from taking the vitamin biotin in terms of hair growth?
I’m so glad I found this site. I started taking flaxseed oil supplements for their health benefits about 5 months ago, and my hair has noticeably thinned. I had been taking a Fish oil supplement for the 2 years prior so I’m not inclined to think it is causing me a problem, but I’m not willing to risk any more hair loss so I’ll stop it all for now.
Now I am really confused? Aside from the flax oil controversy…..I stopped eating and drinking soy this week I also read an article about the negative soy consumption for men. Apparently excessive soy consumption may cause low libido and breast problems in men
Thank you to everyone for sharing their experiences. I have been terrified over the last two weeks by the amount of hair loss I suddenly began experiencing. Desperately searching for answers, I was led to this site and have found some comfort in knowing that I am not alone. I appreciate any feedback.
I am a 33yr-old female, and for years I have had very long, thick hair. While not particularly vain, the thought of loosing my hair has been devastatingly frightening for me, and the cause of as many tears shed as strands of hair. I know it is “just hair”, and there are more important things in life, but I am just an average woman, and my hair has always been the one physical attribute that I liked about myself. After reading the posts here, I know that many of you can relate: I’m scared sick about this and it seems to be consuming my thoughts. I hate it!
The only sensible explanation seems to relate to dietary changes. I have taken vitamins, as well as fish oil supplements off and on for a few years, but with no consistency. About 3 months ago I decided to be better about this routine, and began regularly taking an omega-3 fish oil (recmd dose 3 a day or 3000 mg), as well as a one-a -day mega vitamin. (I also have very healthy eating habits and tend to get fair amounts of vitamins A, B, C, and D from foods naturally.) About 3-4 weeks ago, I fell off the “routine wagon”, and was taking them sporadically when I remembered to do so.
A week or so after discontinuing the regular daily supplement intake routine, I noticed sudden hair loss: mass quantities of strands coming out every time I brushed, and double the amount when coming wet hair after showering. (I should also note that I had noticed increased oil production in my scalp and face about a month after beginning the supplements and had to wash my hair more frequently as a result.) Now I am scared to wash my hair at all, and tend to keep it in braids (as immobile as possible so I don‘t have to brush as often), for as many days as I can tolerate the grease - gross I know, but I am afraid of stimulating more loss through washing and coming the wet strands.
I stopped taking supplements altogether, about 1 ½ - 2 wks ago, alarmed by the hair loss and considering the supplemental correlation. I am considering the possibility of vitamin A “overdose”, as I have also had some headaches (not normal for me), and have just read that too much vitamin A has been linked to frequent headaches and hair loss. Although, I am just not sure. I noticed the symptoms (sudden hair loss and frequent headaches) AFTER STOPPING (lowering) the regular daily supplement intake routine. While on a regular routine, it seemed as though my hair was healthier, and I felt great! Is my body in shock because I slacked off on what might have been a good thing? OR, is the timing coincidental, and it just took 2 months or so for my body to exhibit physical manifestations of vitamin overload and/or a negative reaction to the fish oils? Have I done the right thing to abruptly discontinue all supplement intake, or should I have “weaned” myself off? What do I do now- stay off and wait to see what happens, or put myself back on supplements, but at very low doses? AND, IF this whole issue has been the cause of my hair loss, does anyone know when it might subside - will I continue to loose more hair for weeks/months to come still?
I know I have been long-winded… thank you for reading, and for your thoughts in return!
Just wanted to say that I used to take cod live oil and I had so much of my hair come back in. Now I am taking omega 3 fish oil and have been experienceing a lot of shedding. It really concerned me. I am so glad I found this info. I will be going back on the cod liver oil immediately. I have read a lot about the cod liver oil promoting the re growth of hair. I was mistaken to think the omega 3 fish oil would work the same for hair growth. Thanks again everyone for your info.
Two of us in my family started taking the flax seed oil and experienced hair loss.
Hello everyone,
Ok maybe oil supplements are a bad idea for hair growth because oils may increase the scalp greasiness and sebum which is one of the hair fall causes, but I still see flaxseed extract used in bionatural hair growth products!
I tried the topic olive/garlic oil remedy before, it dercreases the hairfall unless you do get stressed occasionaly, then this is a real issue.
wish u all a good health
I read that flax causes more estrogen than soy does which will create hair loss. Not sure how true it is but heard it on Dr. Wongs totality of being site.
I was taking EPA fish oil, and had shedding & hairloss. I have been off the capsules for about 3 1/2 weeks, and the shedding has definately improved, but I’m still losing a little bit. I am hopeful that in 1 or 2 more months, it will be great again. I will update you with results.
I used an MSM concoction on my hair for 3 days. That was two weeks ago. My hair feels as if it is tingling, burning and as if something is crawling in it. I am losing hair EVERYDAY …even have bald spots DAILY. Is there something that I can do to reverse this? HELP!!!
I failed to mention that my sister who lives 500 miles away started this concoction also and it is doing the same thing to her hair. We are praying that hair is the only thing that we are losing and that this concoction is not going to cause us any physical harm. Thanks
Virtually every single one of the posters here have been having problems with the oil, not the actual seeds (including the original message on April 16, 2006). I counted them, one by one. I’d be interested to see if that’s the difference. I’d imagine that if the actual ground flax seeds were as bad as the oil, we’d be seeing a lot more complaints for them.
I have androgenic alopecia, which is a fancy term for “hair falling out because my hormones are out of wack”. After many months of searching and bloodtesting and searching I discovered a high amount of mercury in my blood. One of the major causes of hair loss is heavy metal toxicity. So I underwent an extensive oral chelation treatment, to remove the metals from my body and my hairloss stopped completely. My doctor and I have discussed Omega-3 oil supplements at length, and we both agree that most oil supplements contain heavy metals at some level, and should be avoided. They also contain compounds that can disrupt the natural balance of hormones in your body, causing hair loss. To stimulate new hair growth I have been taking whole flax seeds, grinding them in the coffee grinder and sprinkling them in my morning smoothie etc. I take 2-4 tsp daily, and my hair is growing back wonderfully. IT IS NOT THE FLAX SEEDS THAT ARE BAD, ITS THE FLAX OIL!. I’ve been consuming freshly ground, refridgerated flax seeds for 6 months and my bald patches are filling in. GET YOUR BLOOD TESTED FOR METALS. hope this helps!
The person who said it isn’t the flax oil, it’s the BAD flax oil is right. The supplement industry is not a regulated one. Often, fish oils and such can contain toxic things. What you read on the label isn’t always what you get. (Neither the quality or the amount listed). Please be sure to buy pharmacuetical grade suppliments, as these are all tested throughouly for any substances that are not supposed to be in there and also how well they actually absorb into your body. Read the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements. This guide tests and rates over 1500 brands in North America. It rates them out of 5. Most brands you think are great actually aren’t-I used to take GNC for ex, which i thought was a great brand, and it only rates 2/5. One a day vitamins rate 0/5.
I use Usana vitamins as they are rated #1 in the comparative guide for over 11 years. Completly pharmecueltical grade and even included in the CPS. As the other person says, refrigerate your fish and flax oils. Treat them as you would food with an experation date. GOOD fish oil is supposed to help your hair and skin, not make it worse. If you take a good ,multi-vitamin and a good fish oil your hair should grow faster and look better-I can honestly say mine did, as it grew so slow before and now it’s getting super long and shiny. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions, I am a health and beauty consultant. Good luck!
lauraelise26@yahoo.com
And remember..always make sure to do your research before you spend your money on a vitamin!! Think about how long the oil has been on the shelf-not fresh right? I think the person that said that is really on to something.
“To stimulate new hair growth I have been taking whole flax seeds, grinding them in the coffee grinder and sprinkling them in my morning smoothie etc. I take 2-4 tsp daily, and my hair is growing back wonderfully. IT IS NOT THE FLAX SEEDS THAT ARE BAD, ITS THE FLAX OIL!.”
Finally, someone got it right. I stated this very same thing WAY back in January, in posts #65 and #69. But people don’t read!
Kudos too, to John in post #110 for correctly surmising that lignan-free flax oil alone is to blame for hair loss and not the WHOLE FLAX SEED, which actually promotes growth.
Clinical studies have confirmed that 5-alpha-reducatse, a lignan enzyme is very effective in blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Lignans are absent in flax oil are in bountiful supply in the seed itself.
I’ve ground my own fresh flax seed every day for nearly 4 years, regaining prior hair loss and keeping further loss completly in check!
Lesson to be learned:
FOOD = Complete, cost-effective nutritional components
Supplements = Incomplete, costly and imbalanced nutrition
I have been taking Flax seed oil capsules for years, never had a problem. However, when I started taking fish oil as well, the hair loss was dramatic. I will stop both as of now.
To: #95–Mark—I too started taking Thera Tears for dry eyes per my doctor’s recommendation. I started taking three daily, as prescribed, late April 2009, and immediately started noticing the tingling in my scalp and then the hair loss. The hair loss has continued and gotten worse. I have traced the hair loss timeline back to when I started takng the Thera Tears–which has Omega 3, 6 & 9 and Flaxseed oil. I took my LAST one yesterday!!!!–as this was the day I went on-line and began reading that many, many other people have experienced the same problem. Hopefully my hair grows back and doesn’t come in grey, as I currently don’t have a single grey hair on my head. Baldness does NOT run in my family. I will also be checking my thyroid this month when doing my routine bloodwork. My thyroid has never been a problem in the past and I know this all started when I began the Thera Tears. I too take USANA vitamins and have been taking them for about nine years. I love them. -jmk-
It is over 4 months since I stopped the fish oil capsules. My balding has visibly reduced. Last week even my hair stylist told me my hair is getting thicker. Given that I was on the %$@#!%@#! capsules for years, it might take a couple of more months to fully recover….
From Wikipedia:
“Although fish is a dietary source of Omega-3 fatty acids, fish do not synthesize them; they obtain them from the algae or plankton in their diet.”
That’s what people should be consuming–dulse, chlorella, spirulina and a host of other phytoplankton/microalgae.
Americans are so easily led by budding industries that see a potential to make a windfall by grandstanding and pitching products of dubious merit–like FISH OIL.
My hair has been falling out for a few months. I went to the doctor recently and she did several blood tests, including thyroid (which is what she suspected was the problem). The only test that showed up as abnormal is a deficiency in vitamin D. So, I now take a precription vitamin d (50k mg/week), a multi dailt , and 2 triple omegas daily.
I thought my diagnosis was the answer, but after a couple of months, my hair is still falling out. It finally occured to me this morning that it started at the same time I started taking the triple omegas. Now, after reading all of these messages, I am going to eliminate that supplement immediately! I guess it is a good thing that I now know about my vit d deficiency, and probably wouldnt have had that tested otherwise, but now it will take months before my hair will be back to its original thickness….
Did anyone have dandruff after being on the fish oil/sesame oil? I think too much oil in the body has been linked to dandruff also.
I feel so bad hearing about these stories. I know I would be terrified to find that I am losing my hair!! Which I am now, somewhat. However, I don’t know if it’s the fish oil or the fact that I stopped using birth control 3 months ago. Apparently, stopping the use of BC may mimic post partum hair loss due to the dramatic fall in estrogen. Right now, I am only thinning all along my hairline, top, sides and nape. But it’s not that noticeable, only to me. My hair is still intact *knock on wood*. The only effects I’ve experienced from taking fish oil for a little over 2 months, is smooth, acne-free skin. I’ll keep you posted over the months…
******EDIT****
I feel so bad reading about these stories. I know I would be terrified to find that I am losing my hair!! Which I am now, somewhat. However, I don’t know if it’s the fish oil or the fact that I stopped using birth control 3 months ago. Apparently, stopping the use of BC may mimic post partum hair loss due to the dramatic fall in estrogen. Right now, I am only thinning all along my hairline. At the top where my widow’s peak is at, temples, and nape edges only. But it’s not that noticeable, only to me. The hair on my crown is still intact *knock on wood*. The only effects I’ve experienced from taking fish oil for a little over 2 months, is smooth, acne-free skin. I’ll keep you posted over the months…
It’s all about balance. It’s also about the media hype surrounding these ‘omega 3′ oils. Sure, they’re important, but people can take too much Omega 3’s, and if you have EXCESSIVE levels, then they will cause hair loss, ezcema, rashes, etc.
Google Patricia Kane PhD, for more information. She’s run over 10,000 red blood cell fatty acid analysis through Johns Hopkins in the past 10-12 years, and found that many people actually take too much O-3’s and not enough O-6’s — the exact opposite of what the media promotes.
I too have been taking a 3-6-9 combination containing flax oil and have experience dramatic hair loss. The Udo’s oil is going in the trash.
After reading all of the comments since 2007, it does appear that oil is the problem vs. seed. Also consider the type of shampoo you use. Some shampoos contain silicone which can coat the hair thus making it “heavy.” This can cause hair loss as well. I have switched to a natural product without sodium laureth sulfate, which is also linked to hair loss, and NOW I will eliminate fish oil!
“After reading all of the comments since 2007, it does appear that oil is the problem vs. seed.”
That’s it exactly. Too bad only a few that have posted realize this.
“Flax is a phytoestrogen & also, it affects THYROID”:
http://www.geocities.com/gnattygrl/diet.htm
=========================================================
There may be Mercury & contaminants in your FISH OIL- Dr. Mercola’s fish oil recommendations: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/11/02/fish-oil-part-eleven.aspx
=========================================================
Thanks for posting your experiences. I, too, have had some problems related to fish oils and flax.
I’ve been using trader joe’s fish oils for a long while, and noticed lots of hair loss, but didn’t really think it was the fish oil. I’ve also used Costo fish oils, but when I found out they used soy oil in their supplement, I promptly discontinued it.
More recently, I started using ground flax seed sprinkled on my food, (2tbsp/day), and I noticed increased hair loss & tender breasts,(tender breasts can be a sign of consumption of an estrogenic food/substance). I stopped it after a few days.
From the information I’ve learned about flax & fish oils, I will cautiously used Dr. Mercola’s only recommended cod liver oil: Carlson’s, along a Garden of life Raw Multi. That’s it! I’m almost to the point where I want to say the heck with those supplement! Food is more delicious anyway! God bless you all, & I hope you find out what works best for each of you.
“Flax is a phytoestrogen & also, it affects THYROID”
I don’t what this person’s agenda is but since he/she states that you shouldn’t eat broccoli, kale, strawberries, spinach (amongst other foods) in raw form–well, all credibility for me was lost right there.
From whfoods.org (world’s healthiest foods):
“First, I would like to remind you that isothiocyanates are fairly common naturally occurring compounds in food that have been found to be protective against chemically produced cancers in laboratory animals. They’re generally considered health supportive, not health damaging.
It is true that there are three cyanogenic glycosides that have been clearly identified in flaxseed: linamarin, linustatin, and neolinustatin. (Cyanogenic glycosides are glucose-containing compounds that are capable of releasing a special chemical group, called a cyanide group, once the glucose has been removed from their structure.) However, the most recent study I’ve seen—involving human subjects and reported in 2006 in the journal, Nutrition and Cancer—showed no problematic impact of food isothiocyanates on thyroid function. (This study used a food extract more concentrated in isothiocyanates than flaxseed, namely, broccoli sprout extract.)”
Flax is not estrongenic, by the way. Flax contains phytoestrogens, of which there are two basic groups: lignans and flavonoids. They are so ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, naturally occurring in seeds, legumes, herbs and fruits that you’d have to cut out virtually everything you eat to avoid them. This wouldn’t be desirable anyway given their antioxidant, cardiovascular and anti-cancer properties.
Thank you for the tips about flax seeds versus flax oil. I will try grinding the seeds and taking them daily as has been suggested to remedy hair loss.
I took flax oil to counteract depression in a dosage recommended online (high - 9g a day) and within a few days my hair started to fall out. I didn’t relly think anything of it, but it turned out the oil had clearly started me balding, and ten years earlier than my brother. My crown is nearly totally bald, and my hair on top has thinned.
I am glad to have read the tip about grinding flax seeds - it makes me hopeful that my hair may come back (especially as the baldness has come to me very early - at age 26). Thank you!
Hope this post helps someone like me before they suffer hair loss as I did.
I’m 20 years old, male and have experienced my hair thinning by use of fish oil tablets. I started using them to combat against acne and 7 months in my friends started joking about me going bald. Finally I found this site and have been off them for 2 months. It seems to have stopped but I’m worried it won’t grow back now. I’m considering the flax seed ground up because of various posts about it helping out a lot. Well we shall see it’s no fun going bald while being so young. Good luck everyone!
hi i have fibroid not uterus but to the left side,is it ok to take vitamin e and omega3-6-9 flax seed oil together or separately.need your suggestion.
i’ve been stress lately and notice that am lossing my hair what to do or what should i take.at the moment am taking vitamin e and omega 3-6-9 flax seed oil for fibroid should i continue to take.
I had eye surgery 3 years ago, and was also told to take Flaxseed Oil Caps, to prevent eye dryness. I have also been losing a lot of hair on top of my scalp (towards the front) and suspect the Flaxseed Oil Caps are doing it. I’ve been taking only 2 a day, but think I’ll stop. It takes a full 3 months to know if this is the cause, as the growth cycle of hair, is three months.
I have experienced the same problem. I can take the flaxseed oil capsules and 30 minutes later I can run my fingers through my hair and I see a lot of shedding. Before I take it, no shedding. I know it is the flaxseed oil and my hairline is receeding a lot more quickly than it was before since I have taken them. I have been taking flaxseed oil since mid february 2009. The omega 3’s was a miracle supplement for me and my bipolar disorder so I am torn about getting off. However, the hair loss is really bringing me down some because I know I am doing it to myself. Someone mentioned roasting flaxseeds and the hair loss stopped. Has anyone else tried this? Is there any supplement that can be combined with omega 3’s to stop the hair loss?
Question, for the few that have said there have been no problems with hair loss and flaxseeds, is there any other supplements or vitamins you take? If so, please let me know what they are.
“Someone mentioned roasting flaxseeds and the hair loss stopped. Has anyone else tried this? ”
One should grind the flaxseeds (and not apply heat) prior to ingestion to make the lignans bioavailable. Using this practice for the last 3 years has actually restored some lost hair and promoted stronger, thicker growth. Some others have had similar results. The lignan SDG has been clinically shown to block the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase which is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT (di-hydro testosterone). An accumulation of DHT is what in large measure, renders hair follicles inert.
I don’t take supplements but rather consume some “functional foods” that are not well known, such has hemp protein powder, muscadine grape seed/skin extract in powdered form, turmeric root and chlorella powder (blue/green algae–pressure treated and dried).
Well…. months later and I can honestly say that my hair has thinned. All over my head.
I’ve been grinding flax seeds for some time but haven’t noticed any difference.
I doubt very much that eating flax seeds is restoring anyone’s hair to be honest with you. Or taking any supplements.
From what I’ve read, nothing short of taking medication or surgery can restore hair once it begins to thin.
I still think it’s a little strange that my hair seemed to thin over a short period of time, but…
Maybe it was thinning for a while but wasn’t noticable.
And I’m in my early 40’s now. At this point, some thinning has to be expected.
As I recall now, my father’s hair thinned in his 40’s but he never went bald. Just thinned over but kept most of his hair.
I still have a lot of hair but people definitely have noticed that it’s not as thick as it use to be.
The culprits we probably should look for in all of this are age AND genes.
To hell with it.
I picked a month’s supply of Rogaine to test. Since my hair has thinned and nothing else seems to explain it away save for age and genetics.
Though there is the possibilty that I’ve been malnourished for some time and didn’t realize it. I’ve tinkered with my diet over the last couple of years which is also the time frame in which the tinning has occured.
Probably coincidence but there could be a smalll connection here. But as it stands I’ve been taking flax seeds for most of this year and seen no difference anyway.
I’ve come to the conclusion that flax seeds simply do not affect hair loss. They are a tasty treat though…..
“I doubt very much that eating flax seeds is restoring anyone’s hair to be honest with you.”
As I am not connected in any way with the flax industry, I have absolutely no reason to stretch the truth over my findings on ground flax seed consumption and hair restoration. Your diet remains the open ended question. I eat a largely vegetarian, natural, whole foods diet and keep the consumption of artificial ingredients, sugar, dairy foods, sodium and transfats to a minimum.
Lest anyone get too dismissive over the benefit of ground flax and hair regrowth, here’s a link outlining a pilot study:
http://www.flaxhullignans.com/hair.php
The results of a study group using a concentrated form of SDG is FAR more encouraging than the rather meager percentage of subjects realizing positive benefits from the overly hyped Rogaine.
I’ve eaten the flaxseeds lately and I too have been thinning out all over the top of my forehead. Before, my hair was receding in the front but now that I have taken flaxseed or flaxseed oils my hair is thinning atleast on top all over. Is it possible that the Omega 3 in the flaxseeds is affecting the thyroid? Is there something that I need to add to my diet? I have just been losing a lot of hair lately..it seems like even more now than I was when I took the flaxseed oil.
To Michael, do you eat your flaxseeds with any other food at the time? Lately, I have just eaten maybe a spoonful of flaxseeds in the morning and not eaten breakfast and just waited until lunch to eat something.
Jason,
I grind 2-3 tablespoons fresh fresh daily and either blend it with orange juice or with soymilk and berries or simply add it in a bowl of cereal consisting of wheat flakes, oats, almonds and the like.
The flaxseeds must be thoroughly ground (never use pre-ground) and a minimum 2-3 tablespoons must be used–yielding approximately 3-4 tablespoons after grinding.
Thanks Michael for your help. For whatever reason when i eat these plain or take the flaxseed oil I lose hair but I am researching into it about finding out why…somehow I think in some people it causes hair loss. I am thinking there is something I can take with it to counteract the effect.
(Post #125) “After reading all of the comments since 2007, it does appear that oil is the problem vs. seed.”
That’s it exactly. Too bad only a few that have posted realize this.”
It must be so frustrating that most people don’t have the same wisdom as Michael, even if he keeps reposting the same line for over three years.
I’m not saying he’s wrong, but just that it’s not always so black and white. Flax seed probably is better than flax oil — I stopped Udo’s blend back in August, and my hair has stopped falling almost completely — but within the past few weeks my eyes have become extremely dry, so there has to be a balance at some point.
And not everyone can digest flax seeds, ground or not. Many people, especially older folks have very poor digestion. And soy inhibits thyroid function, so that may not be so great for everyone.
I’m going to try eating more fish, if I can afford it…but am open to other suggestions.
I have taken 1000mg flaxseed oil soft gels in the past for long time. Occasionally the seeds in salads, I never had a problem with hair loss. I was also taking evening primrose oil as well… I just stumbled across this by accident to see what other benefits I could get from taking these since I have not taken them for sometime. I dont take any other RXs aside w/ them so I wonder if maybe it depends on what others maybe being mixed with. maybe its a side effect taken with other things or certain diets, or ones own health. I dont think the hair loss is going to apply to everyone who takes flaxseed oil.
Can someone please tell me the best place to buy flax seed that likely is not spoiled? I haven’t found any store to buy it at that actually has it refrigerated. Thanks in advance!
Michael, after reading all of the posts, can you please tell me where you purchase your flax seed? You seem to be most knowledgeable. Thanks!
Anyone experience hair loss by taking HEMP OIL? My dad tried Nordic naturals for cholesterol and after a few months he lost a LOT of hair. He got it back after 6 months,but still a scary experience for him. I know Hemp is an omega 3 oil so now I am wondering wether I should take it back to whole foods? Anyone try Hemp oil out there???
@ Matt:
I purchase My flax seed at Central Market as they seem to have the freshest, highest quality available (consistent with most everything they stock, actually)
@ Kelly:
“And not everyone can digest flax seeds, ground or not. Many people, especially older folks have very poor digestion.”
I wonder how many of those are vegetarian owing to their “problems” digesting ribs and steak–LOL. I mean, if you can’t digest ground flax seeds of all things, better have the IV handy…
I would like to know how to tell if flax seed is rancid. I have organic golden flax seed that is 3-4 yrs. old. I do not know when I opened the container but the seed has not been refrigerated. It did not say to refrigerate on the container. I surmise that the seed may be a little darker than when I purchased it. I don’t know what flax seed should smell like. I can’t tell that it tastes different. I’m 71 with a stomach disorder. When I ground several tablespoons and mixed it with cottage cheese I really felt miserable. If flax seed gets rancid how can one tell? Cecilia
I have recently noticed hair loss and shedding after starting to take fish oil supplements within the last TEN DAYS. the results were dramatic and immediate.
As soon as I realized I was having hair loss, I thought about what new things I had tried in such a short time span (I saw my hair stylist on 12/23 and my hair was full and lush and long and the first time I noticed that it seemed thinner and shorter was on New Year’s Day, 1/1). The only new thing was that I’d started to take fish oil supplements. I think the effects were particularly dramatic b/c I don’t swallow a capsule, but rather drink the liquid directly, so it goes right into my bloodstream.
I was so glad to find this thread b/c everywhere else it talks about fish oil and omega 3’s helping your hair!!
Okay, guys..let’s stop arguing about contaminants and all this…people are using both high quality fish oil, flaxseeds, AND flaxseed oil and still losing hair…the only thing I see in common with these is Omega 3 though for flaxseeds there is more ALA and with Fish oil there is EPA and DHA fatty acids. Can anyone explain WHY hair loss is happening to certain people with these supplements? They have a lot of benefits it is just a shame that it has this side effect for some including me. What part of the body is it affecting for it to do this??
“Okay, guys..let’s stop arguing about contaminants and all this…people are using both high quality fish oil, flaxseeds, AND flaxseed oil and still losing hair…”
Only partially true. People are not losing hair as a result of consuming flax seeds alone and in fact several people who have posted here, including myself, have seen a dramatic improvement in hair regrowth. The reason for this is that the whole flax seed contains lignins, the important one being SDG, where clinical trials has revealed its ability to block the production of an enzyme (5-alpha-reductase). This is a critical intermediary in the biochemical pathway where testosterone is converted to DHT.
The hair loss problems people are incurring stems from the ingestion of an overabundance of Omega-3s from the fish/flax oil capsules they’ve been using.
wtf
i cant believe what im reading here, i have tryied everything(rogaine, regaine, viviscal, pills,herb tea so on)nothing helped these shampoos made things worse only,im a male i started bolding in my twenties, now i have used omega 3 combo oil for a month, and new hair started grow back at the first week already.cant believe what im reading here
I did a lot research on flaxseed and fish oil, I have to admit at first it was for my dog, whose hair actually has a GREAT response from fish oil supplementing *damn lucky dog*
@Kelly (post 143) “And not everyone can digest flax seeds, ground or not.”
I read a that consuming the whole flax seed is basically useless (unless you’re doing a cleaing fast) because the body isn’t capable to process it as a whole and you just end up (pardon my french) pooping seeds. So you better do a lot of chewing or grind them and sprinkle them all over.
I also found baking recipes saying how you can substitute one egg white for a 1 tbs ground flaxseed + 3 tbs water for each egg white. That sounds ok if you’re a vegan or don’t like to take protein.
As for the whole cooking the seeds I found this:
Quoting Loren Cordain, Ph.D from http://www.thepaleodiet.com/faqs/
“Studies of ground flaxseed during cooking at temperatures encountered during baking (350 degrees F for 2 hrs; 400-425 F for 20-25 min or 662 F for 60 min) show that there is no degradation of the alpha-linolenic acid to oxidized secondary lipid compounds (Flax Council of Canada)”
I, like Ivey on post 121, stoped taking birth control and my body started a chaos, I started shedding a lot and had acne breakout that I NEVER had, even as a teen… But I also started taking fish oil capsules.
Not those MEGA DOSES some of you people have been taking, but one 1000mg gel capsule a day… I give my dog twice that amount, he’s a 100 pound Akita. He loves the caps! *yep, I’m wondering off again towards my dog*
So in my personal case, I think BOTH stopping BC and the fish oil might be breaking havoc on my poor metabolism…
OFF WITH THE FISH OIL, ON WITH THE GROUND FLAX!!
PS: I wonder how Todd’s Rogaine 1 month supply worked out
Just started taking evening primrose oil because of hair loss, noticed immediate and massive hair loss. Have stopped taking. I have also been taking Omega 3’s and have had hair loss but didn’t make the connection until finding this website. I will stop taking them and see what happens to my hair.
My question to those who use flaxseed oil and lose hair - Do you feel really good about 20 minutes or so after taking it and then start losing hair? Are you pre-diabetic or diabetic? For those that do not have hair loss, do you feel pretty good 20 minutes after taking it? Are you pre-diabetic or diabetic? I’m just trying to get more data on what’s going on.