I did not think alopecia would be part of my story. But it is. And I am still here. Still standing.
It was very difficult to speak openly about my hair loss. I felt vulnerable and exposed. Alopecia has been a deeply personal part of my midlife journey, and for a long time, I tried to manage it in silence.
At first, I believed it was caused by stress. I told myself it would pass. I delayed seeking help. I thought I was exaggerating what was happening. Eventually, I had to face the truth. It was alopecia. It began during perimenopause and grew more severe as I entered menopause. The bald patch became more visible. The emotional impact was heavier than I expected.
Some days, I could not look in the mirror. I felt sadness. I felt disappointment. I struggled with acceptance. Every time I believed I had come to terms with it, I experienced a setback. The cycle continued. I did not want to show the world what I was going through.
I wore hats. I cut my hair short. I let it grow long again to try and cover what was happening. I tried many ways to hide. Hiding became part of my routine. But over time, I grew tired of hiding. I realised I wanted to be seen as I am.
Alopecia has changed how I look, but it has also changed how I see myself. It has forced me to question things I once took for granted. My sense of identity. My confidence. My relationship with my body. Although I have felt ashamed and discouraged, I have also found moments of strength.
Healing is not something that happens all at once. It is a process. I am still going through it. Sharing my story is part of that healing. I am learning to stand in the truth of what is happening, even when it feels uncomfortable.
This blog is a continuation of the video I recorded. It is my way of processing, reflecting, and slowly letting go of shame.
And I am still here. Still standing.
