Complete Hair Loss

tweedledee · 04-03-2008, 07:26 PM

A close friend told me last night that she has lost all her hair, including her eyebrows, eyelashes, and all body hair. She has not been diagnosed with PCOS, but according to some of her other symptoms (period irregularity, mood swings, abnormal weight gain if she doesn't run like a maniac, etc) it sounds like she could have PCOS. I know hair loss can be a symptom, but I have never heard of a cyster that has gone through this kind of hair loss. The saddest part is that she is a newlywed. She revealed to me that she was wearing a wig on her wedding day a few months ago. She looked GORGEOUS and I had no idea. You would never know. The eyebrow/eyelash loss came later. Her DH is a WONDERFUL guy and is extremely supportive. She said the hair loss intensified due to stress recently. I just feel for her. I told her to talk with her doctor about the possibility of PCOS. She has seen a specialist that has hit a dead end with her.

Any advice? Thanks!

ScaredSally · 04-04-2008, 07:49 AM

Sound to me like she has alopecia totalis and this is not related to PCOS PCOS hair loss would be androgen genetic alopecia which is overall thinning

tweedledee · 04-04-2008, 03:15 PM

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your response.

Lisa11 · 04-04-2008, 04:26 PM

Complete hair loss, while no one really knows why it happens, is usually associated with autoimmune disorders. PCOS is a cluster of symptoms that is frequently aggrevated by autoimmune issues so you were not far from the mark. PCOS people just tend to thin out instead of shed it all. Your friends doc should look into a history of autoimmune issues within her family, things like lupus, arthritis, thyroid issues, etc... If they can get the autoimmune issue under control (if there is one) they may be able to get the hair loss under control as well. Good luck.

etuc · 04-04-2008, 04:49 PM

Sorry for your friend. Hope they find out what caused it.

I had an uncle who lost all the hair from his head and body, they never figured out why, that was well over 30 years ago.

Good luck to your friend!

tweedledee · 04-04-2008, 05:22 PM

Thanks! I know that some of the symptoms for thyroid issues can be similar to PCOS issues. I believe they tested her for thyroid irregularities. I just hope they can find an answer for her. I thought this might have been a clue. I know knowing the cause would be a relief.

Lisa11 · 04-04-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweedledee

I know knowing the cause would be a relief.

I know, it's rough not knowing what the heck your body is up to. Unfortunately, autoimmune issues tend to run in clusters. Like if you have thyroid issues you are also prone to many other autoimmune issues. Personally, I have PCOS w/ insulin resistance AND thyroid antibodies. So, I just say I'm autoimmune impaired and try to keep the symptoms that go along with that in check. I hope your friend figures it out.

tweedledee · 04-04-2008, 10:45 PM

Lisa11 ~ I was wondering if that might be her situation. Even if her alopecia totalis isn't caused by PCOS, it might raise a flag to watch out for that possibility considering her other symptoms. Oh, well... I'm no doctor and here I'm trying to diagnose. I just know she is struggling. I know I felt so out of control before I knew that PCOS was causing some of the chaos in my body. Thanks for your input!!!