Sudden hair loss - stress? Hormonal?

[Capelli]

Regular who has namechanged because of stalker. If you recognise me though based on the details here, please don't out my usual nickname

I have recently noticed that all of my body hair has either totally disappeared (forearms, upper legs), is in the process of disappearing (underarms, pubes, lower legs), or has just stopped growing without actually losing any (eyebrows). The hair on my head is coming out by the handful.

Now, my DD2 is just under 6 months old and I was expecting some hair loss but not this much! We moved house a month or so ago and within a few days the shower plug hole was totally blocked with my hair.

I have been under a huge amount of stress - since DD2 was born (also have 3 yo DD1), my DH has been diagnosed with very aggressive cancer, my wonderful father has died, we have moved house and I suspect my shaky relationship with my sister has reached the point of no return (see stalker comment above).

So, lots and lots of stress. I am still bf DD2. Have not had a period yet.

I am now fretting that this hair loss may be something sinister. Or it may be permanent. It is likely it's a combination of stress/hormones isn't it? Will make appointment to see GP next week, but would really recommend people's thoughts.

would really welcome people's thoughts. How much I could recommend them would obviously depend on what they were

There are quite a few things that could cause hair loss. Low iron, deranged thyroid function as well as hormonal changes following the birth of your DD.
I discovered I was losing my hair earlier on this year - have had all the checks done, all normal, so referred to the dermatologist and was diagnosed with alopecia arreata. I was told that generally speaking if it is an overall thinning out of the hair it's likely to be hormonal/thyroid related, but if it's clumpy (ie random bald patches), it's likely to be alopecia. In terms of alopecia treatment, there's not a lot to do for it either topical steroids to the baldy bits, or more ouchily, steroid injections into the bald bits of scalp...not a chance!
I had a DD last year who had only just started sleeping through, and is still BF twice a day - I find hair loss is worse if I am tired or stressed.
I hope you get some answers and support from your GP - it sounds like you've been through some tough times recently.

I would agree that general thinning is more likely to be hormonal, patches more likely to be alopecia, which is widely thought to be associated with stress. I lost about a third of my head hair in patches last year following a stressful time at work, having lost most of my leg and arm hair at some point in the last few years, didn't really notice at the time. Def go to the gp, they should do blood tests If they think it might be hormonal, if they think it might be alopecia I would press for a referral to dermatology. I saw a lovely dermatologist but had to go private, he transferred me to his nhs list after first appt.

I feel for you, this is a very distressing thing to happen. My derm prescribed topical steroids and referred me to a wig shop on the nhs, they gave me a wig, which was stunning, but also provided camouflage cream, which you put on your scalp to disguise the patches, mine w as a bit like mascara as I have dark hair. I never actually needed the wig, managed with clips and cream. Anyway it started growing back after 6 months or so, and is now fuller than ever. The leg and arm hair has never come back but don't mind that.

The whole episode was very upsetting, as it must be for you, it doesn't seem fair when you have had so much stress already, I hope you get the support you need from your gp. Post back and let us know how you get on.

As the others have said go and see your gp. You have been through alot both physically and emotionally in a short period of time. Iron levels, including ferritin (which needs to be over 70 for hair growth)can be low in the year following childbirth also thyroid can go haywire. You can have a telogen effluvium (sudden and temporary hairloss) after any shock or huge stress and it seems you have had your fair share. While waiting for your blood test results start taking a good multivit and try and eat well,lots of greens and protein at every meal. In 3-6 months your hairloss should have slowed right down and you will have a wonderful stubble growing . And easier said than done try not to stress. Try and take some time out for yourself even if its just a long bath. Good luck x

Thank you all so much for taking time to respond. Stanausaurus & MrsD, sorry you have both experienced this as well.

I have booked to see my GP on Weds afternoon. Interesting about iron levels - I had v low iron when pg with DD2 and had to take an iron supplement. I know it was still low immediately after her birth, but I didn't take anything for it.

My life is so upside down at the moment, I don't know if I would be tired if I was able to have a normal night's sleep. Will let you know how the GP goes.

Thanks again for your replies.