ALOPECIA: Hair loss after the hair loss ;-)

I'm 28 months post-op so I've had my fair share of hair loss/thinning in the first year with normal regrowth.

However, having taken on significant changes with my elderly parents and a new relationship (yay!) I am a little thinned out in other places as well ;-)

I've had stress related alopecia before, around 1999. That was a small 50 cent sized patch completely slick as if it had been surgically shaved into a circle. It grew back almost immediately (never saw one suspicious patch of hair anywhere, it obviously came out sort of singly but still in a circular area).

It was pretty surprising, when I first discovered that first patch years ago, above my left ear, I was shocked, but was pretty nonchalant about it. After all it covered pretty well.  I then had another one, pretty insignificant too.

Now I'm on the downside of 54 and like I said, with parental issues, and probably hormonal as well (however, I'm on the Mirena IUD which might have disguised my menopause?) and I'm left with a HUGE missing spot of hair right at my crown that seems to be growing. Although my PCP agreed and thought my initial concern was stress related, that was several months ago and now that it's bigger, I have a new appointment to be seen 11/7. 

I've read the treatments for alopecia areata, which in my opinion seems to be the diagnosis (although of course I'm no MD, thank you internet!) and I'd be willing to try the steroidal injections if that will be the treatment, since I can try that immediately and especially since I've had steroids off and on in my life for allergies (and cottonwood just about ready to blow here anyway, as well as ragweed) and know that I usually don't have any side effects from it, I'm willing to try.

I'm not that horrified by it, frankly, but am going shopping for a 'piece of hair' this afternoon so I have a little more to work with for a wedding this weekend. Boyfriend's daughter and I am meeting all of the family including ex, so don't want to A) look like a bald mess or B) look stupid with fake hair. Hopefully I can find something not too far off my own color and although it won't be real hair (which I've considered locking extensions but awfully spendy) perhaps I can play with it a little.

I guess my question is, have any of you experienced this type of hair loss? I am prepared to have a full panel of blood work done, not just the typical CBC, to see if there's other stuff going on, and I guess I can only wait til those results happen. Here's what is recommended:
· DHEA TestosteroneProlactin, Follicle Stimulating and Leutinizing Hormone
· DHEA-Sulfate
· Androstenedione
· Free Testosterone
· Total Testosterone
· Thyroid Tests: T-3, T-4, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
· Iron
· Serum Ferritin
· Hemoglobin/Hematocrit or CBC (Complete Blood Count)
· TIBC (Total Iron Binding capacity) » Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Please let me know what you've experienced both in loss, treatment and coverage in the meantime. Thanks!!

I'm not a major help bc I don't know any relationship with a post op history but my daughter had the spot on the back of her head about a half dollar circle. All of the sudden grew back. This makes me wonder if she will have other spots as you have said?

Thanks for the response Emily!

For your daughter's sake, I hope not!

My first two grew back quickly and I didn't really give it much thought. This time is completely different and I don't see my situation getting better (my elderly dementia parents) and trying to balance all with full time job, boyfriend and normal daily b.s. 

I know that there are a lot of conditions that make your hair fall out and like I said, I had it temporarily after surgery, but it was a little all over, not in a big patch like it is now. I'm very anxious to get my blood checked now as I'm no longer in the mood to baby this thing, you know? ;-)

 It took longer than a year for it to grow. I think she was 2 and now she is almost 7 and its about two inch long. 

Do you have any other auto immune problems?  There is a blood test for that. My husband had some medical issues and they tested him for auto immune disease.

Include an ANA test...that is the one for autoimmune issues.  I am losing again and my ANA came back positive, so I now have a date with a Rheumatologist.  Good luck figuring it out!

Laura

Nope, no disease of any kind that I'm being treated for. Had my last CBC about 3-4 months ago and nothing abnormal about it. (have never had anything abonormal in my life).

I have no other symptoms or complaints--other than fatigue. But although I've gained energy with weight loss for the obvious reasons, I have also acquired more 'chores' if you will, thus resulting in more episodes of being tired. Not physically, but mentally, emotionally.

Thanks ladies!!