Hair loss after ivf?

[Catlady12345]

Hi ladies,

I’ve been on the ivf rollercoaster for over 18 months and have had 1 egg collection, 1 ERA and 4 failed transfers.

My last failed transfer was April and I’ve had a break since then to try and get focused for September when we start our next round.

Recently though my hair is falling out loads and I just wondered if this is normal? And hoping for some reassurance that I won’t end up bald 😬

Thanks xx

[XOXO13]

I’m sorry to hear of your IVF rollercoaster, it’s a really tough and emotional journey. Is your hair falling out in patches? For example, 5-50pence size pieces? I’ve had this on and off for a few years now, exasperated by stress and usually shows around 6 months post whatever stress I’ve been through. I actually lost two chunks off hair a few months before my wedding, and the latest was at Christmas time after my first failed transfer. It’s a form of alopecia, and there isn’t much you can do for it that I recall but it will grow back (at least mine has, and it’s not on top so I can hide it).

It may be worth speaking to your doctor for a check over and some advice.

Take care xx

[Catlady12345 in reply to XOXO13]

Thank you! It’s not chunks, there’s no bald bits it’s mainly all over shedding - but loads! I’m plugging up the bath! I do have think hair, so I have a lot anyway but it just worries me so much seems to be coming off! X

[RhinoCat]

I actually noticed that too after every round. I wondered was it a dip in hormones after crazy overload that affected it?

[Catlady12345 in reply to RhinoCat]

Yes I think so? Hoping my body just gets itself together (and then I’m going to do it all again in September 🙈)

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely, yes this is a thing! Basically when you are on meds (especially stims) your body is thinking it's pregnant or at least preparing for it - and when you stop taking the meds it does exactly what it does when you are no longer pregnant - which is to expel all the hair it has held on to. I had that earlier in the year when taking a break from IVF. Don't worry xx

[Catlady12345 in reply to Millbanks]

Thank you!! I did think it was this but it’s just a horrible side effect. Putting on ivf weight is bad enough and my hairs the only thing I still liked about myself 🤣🙈 hopefully it’ll ease off soon xx

[Millbanks in reply to Catlady12345]

I know - so annoying isn't it!! I'm sure it will ease off soon my lovely xxx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Catlady. perhaps you need to get your thyroid and oestrogen levels checked?? Sometimes low levels can caue hair loss. Hopefully a blood test will provide you with some answers. Diane

[Catlady12345 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane, I’ll request these just to be on the safe side xx

[Bella_Bee]

I had a LOT of hair loss with DHEA which is a common fertility supplement a lot of women take before starting IVF. But things are much better since I stopped. With these massive hormonal swings, nothing bad can be permanent I'm guessing/hoping. Hope things improve ASAP. Xo

[Catlady12345 in reply to Bella_Bee]

Thank you xx

[Jump1 in reply to Bella_Bee]

I have taken dhea for 2 weeks 75 a day. Massive hair loss last night. Did it happen that quickly. Dr said to stop the dhea

[Idril]

Hi there, just wanted to tell that I had exactly the same from my last cycle. It was like 2-4 weeks after failed fresh transfer, thought I was going to loose all my hair !!!!! But I can reassure you, it was fine again 2 weeks after, no more massive hair loss, came back to normal. Xx