Hi Portia, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you to Alopecia World. I have been living with Alopecia Areata since 1991 and know full well the struggle it can be. I look forward to getting to know you. Cheryl, Co-founder

Hi Portia, I am really glad that you are here. I am not sure of what kind of Alopecia that you have,? Are you seeing a dermatologist or just a regular doctor? In most cases, they say tha Alopecia is stress "triggered" not that is is due to stress. I hope that makes sense. Anyway, I think you should check/verify with your dermatologist. Talk to you soon.

Hi Portia,

Welcome to Alopecia World

Hello and welcome, Portia!
I know how hard it can be. I have had alopecia for about 30 years. After I became the spokesperson for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, a lot of women were needing my help and support, so I wrote a book called, "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" You can find out more on my page -- and let me know if there's anything else I can do!
LeslieAnn

Alopecia can be triggered by stress, hormones, infections, any number of things. If you have patchy spots, that is alopecia areata.
I know, the needles are not fun at all, but the cortisone shots can help hair to grow back in the spots by blunting the T-cell attack on the follicle. It's not a cure, by any means, and the hair may fall out again. There's also a chance it won't! Alopecia is unpredictable, to say the least.
I understand that you are depressed. That's normal and happens to all of us. Are you wanting to wear a wig or maybe hair extensions to cover the bald spots?

I'm sorry to say there is no cure for alopecia. Researchers are working on it, though. But like I said, there's a possibility that your hair will grow back on its own, without help from anyone or anything.
There are some topical ointments that are used as treatments and may make your hair grow back temporarily, but they are not sure things and the hair may fall out again.

Yes, you have indeed come to the right place to get information!
Please let me know how you are doing. I care.

Hi Portia, Welcome to ur group!! I know AA can be very depressing and emotionally unsettling to say the least. My trip with AA has lasted almost 24 yrs with various intervels of regrowth, with treatments and without. I have chosen to just adapt to it, I now have total body hair loss (Alopecia Universalis) and I am just now beginning to really truly accept myself and this condition for what it is. I pray your road begins to straighten out and your emotions begin to heal. Blessings to you!!
Lori