Living with Alopecia

When Helen Todd, 45, lost her hair, she also lost her confidence. She reveals how she got her life back.

I was 20 when I noticed my first bald spot - I was missing a circular patch of hair, the size of a 10 pence piece, at the top of my head. As I was six months pregnant at the time I wasn't too concerened - I'd heard your hair can thin due to hormonal changes. But over the next few months, it started to thin all over the top, and I could also see follicles with no hair coming out. I made an appointment with my GP, but he didn't do any tests - he just assured me it was hormones and the stress of pregnancy, and said it would soon return to normal.

Dreadful Diagnosis

Then, 18 months after the problem started, I went through a trauma when my brother was killed in a car crash. I became depressed, which didn't help my hair - it had now thinned at the sides, and my scalp was sore and itchy. I could hardly believe it - I'd gone from having lovely glossy hair to needing to carry an umbrella everywhere in case it rained. If my hair got wet, my balding became even more obvious and I'd feel incredibly self-conscious.

The worst thing for me was the way people would stare. I'd be wandering around the supermarket, then suddenly catch someone with their eyes fixed on my hair. And whenever I met someone new, they'd talk to my head, not my face, so I started to avoid all kinds of social situations

I went back to my GP, who tested me for thyroid problems. When they came back negative, I was referred to a trichologist. He also put it down to stress, but devastatingly, he told me my follicles had closed up and my hair would never grow back. I came away distraught, but also angry that no one could help me.

I was eventually diagnosed with androgenic alopecia, or pattern baldness. An inherited condition that can skip generations, it may be made worse by stress or hormonal changes. I was determined to help myself, so I tried everything from thickening shampoos and lotions, to vitamin supplements and electric shock therapy. I spent thousands of pounds over the years, but nothing ever made any difference.

My self-esteem was shattered, and the whole thing took its toll on my relationships, too. One ex partner knew how much it affected my confidence, but I felt he wasn't supportive - that was one of the reasons we split up. But my now-husband, Paul, has been wonderful. It's honestly never been an issue between us - he has always made me feel so comfortable about my looks.

A new lease of life

The big change came in 2005, when I saw an article about the Lucinda Ellery consultancy, which specialises in extensions for hair loss. I went for a consultation - and I'm so glad I did. I was fitted with The Intralace System - the stylist placed a mesh over my scalp, pulled my own hair through it, then wove in the extensions.

It cost £1,600, but it was worth every single penny. My bobbed style looks amazingly real, and I can wash it at home as normal - I just have to go back regularly to check everything is secure. The first day I went into work after having it done, my colleagues didn't recognise me, and my husband thinks I look stunning.

Having the treatment has changed my life. I can now go out without worrying about people staring at me, and I live every day to the full. I don't even mind getting caught in the rain any more. At last, I feel free.

Alopecia: The facts

What is it?

Alopecia areata occurs when the body's immune system attacks the follicles, making hair fall out, while androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) causes the hair to thin out in certain areas.

What causes it?

Stress and hormonal changes can be a factor, or it could be down to illness, mediaction or genetics.

What's the cure

Your GP may prescribe drugs, steroid injections or a specialist topical cream. Eating well, exercising and relaxation therapies may help with temporary, stress-related hair loss.

Where can I find out more?

See your GP to get to the root of the problem, and visit www.alopeciaonline.ork.uk for information.

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