Sitting in front of the TV beside my husband Jerry, then 46, I ran a hand over the base of my skull. It was December 2013 and I could feel a smooth patch the size of a 50p coin. Worry coursed through me, I loved my long locks.
‘What’s this?’ I asked.
Jerry carefully examined my head. ‘Just a small bald patch,’ he soothed.
Panic took hold.
I booked an appointment with my GP. She explained there was no definite test, but diagnosed me with alopecia areata – an autoimmune condition that can lead to unpredictable hair loss.
‘It often develops for no reason,’ she explained. ‘It’s more than likely your hair will grow back.’
I hoped she was right, but over the coming weeks, clumps of hair began appearing in the shower. I felt anxious and upset but tried to hide my worries from my children, Maddie, then seven and Alexander, four.
Thankfully the kids were too young to ask many questions, but Jerry was amazing. He held me when I cried and gave me the confidence to try wigs to cover my patchy hair.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories