27 y. o. female; rapid diffuse hair loss and alopecia areata :( HELP!

by Kristiina
(Montreal)

Hello All!

I guess my story is similar to many of yours! I am a 27 year old woman and my hair started falling out in clumps at the end of September. In addition to the diffuse hair loss that seems to be concentrated around the temples and crown of my head, I also have a focal bald spot on the left side that has been diagnosed as alopecia areata. The diffuse loss coincides with my decision to stop taking the birth control pill. About 3 months after coming off of Yaz I lost approximately 50% of my hair in about 2 1/2 months.

While the shedding has almost stopped, I don't see very much regrowth and my once shiny hair is now greasy and stringy, even right after showering. In addition, I have quite a bit of scalp pain that cannot be explained. I went back on Yaz, primarily out of fear of going completely bald.

I wasn't really panicking because I was told that this was common and that it should grow back but the longer it goes without much improvement the more distressed I become. Any advice or words of encouragement?

Thanks!!!