Hair loss, dry skin, depression...ranting

Hi all. I'm 3 1/2 weeks after having a TAH BSO...everything's gone. At first I didn't notice any "hormonal" issues (I'm guessing that's what they'd be called). Lately however...well, I just don't know what's going on.

First, my hair is really coming out. A lot! As I type this I'm staring at a bunch of hair surrounding my keyboard...and I just cleaned up the last batch of fallen hair about an hour ago. I also noticed a weird, red, bump on the top of my head close to where my forehead/ hairline is.

Also equally annoying is my skin feels like it's on fire. SOOOO itchy and dry. I soaked in baby oil after my shower (which before the surgery really helped me) and it still feels terribly itchy. And just like the spot on my head, I have weird red scabby/ dry patches on various places on my body. There are some places on my legs that are so dry that if I scratch, it bleeds.

And of course there's the depression. It probably isn't helping that my husband has decided he wants a divorce. We've been having problems for the last few months but things have escalated and I'm just very sad. I don't know if I have the strength to handle this right now. I am still recovering from a life-changing surgery and am still having hard time with all of that...the pain and dealing with the emotional aspect of everything. And I'll be honest....one of the things that really bothers me is knowing that I can no longer have children. And I can't help but feel profoundly sad knowing that his life hasn't changed at all. He can remarry and have more kids. What I thought was an "us" decision actually isn't. I feel like someone stabbed my heart.

I went through a very bad depression in my late 20's and I'm feeling the same darkness and it's really scaring me. I can't go through that again. I wont.

So I guess I'm asking if the first 2 issues (hair loss and dry skin) are "normal" and if there's anything I can do to help. And the last part...I guess I just needed a friend

Madeline - I'm so sorry to hear about your problems - I'm sending positive thoughts your way right now!

I just had a TAH/BSO on Wed, so I don't have those first 2 problems (yet) so I can't be any help there.

But 2 years ago, my husband decided that he didn't want to be married anymore. We went from happy to apart in a very short time - most people just didn't believe it. It knocked me for a big loop - I just couldn't stop crying. I know going to a counsellor helped me a lot. And sometimes just knowing you can vent to people (like those of us on here) can help too. Is there anyone you can ask for help? - my friends and family were terrific. They stood by me, and helped me every way they could. And don't be afraid to see your dr about your depression... sometimes we all need a bit of help.

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers tonight, Madeline - sending hugs your way.

Shortly after my TAH my husband and I decided to separate but still work on it with our wonderful marriage counselor -- whom I'm certain will soon be changing professions :-) Finances made it impossible to move put for at least two months. The stress dang near killed me. Like you, my hair was faking ount in clumps, I was nauseous all the time and only getting 1-2 hours of sleep on good nights.

When I finally broke down and my husband realized just what this was doing to me, he actually started participating. This past month has been so much better than the past three years.

My point is that you hair is likely stress. And it can quickly lead into depression. Have you been able to exercise any yet? I know for me even the long walks helped until I could get back in the gym to do some serious damage .

Dry, hot skin is also symptomatic of both stress and menopause. Try massage. It helps the skin. Or get some of the Aveno soak. It's so good!

If all else fails, you may need to talk to you doctor about some medicinal help. When I hit 1 hour sleep night, mine finally gave me sleeping pills. A great night's sleep makes a world of difference!

i had extremely dry skin after my surgery, i had never had that before, now at 3months out it is a lot better, but i did use a ton of moisturizers at first

my hair continues to fall out, but not as bad as the beginning, i think a lot of it is attributed to the shock of the surgery on your system and changing hormone levels, might be something to talk to your doctor about and see if there is HRT you can take short term that can help

i too have been having problems with depression and started take a antidepressent that also helps me sleep, just short term hopefully

msfairydust - ur post speaks to me, i am lil over 6wks post op lavh kept ovaries, i noticed my hair is thinner too, and i need a haircut, its been over 3 mos. for that, might get a box color & color it to give it more shine & texture also, my dry skin is on the back of my legs mostly, i too think its hormone, poss. stress related, recently i bought some eucerin calming lotion, helps a lil but i need to see a doc about it cuz it never really goes away, itches alot @nite, depression, never experienced true depression but ive felt close the last few days, u, i , we r experiencing alota loss...u lost ur inside girl parts, u may b losing ur husband, u lost ur ability to have kids, people say what doesnt kill us will make us stronger but when ur in the midst of it all it doesnt seem like it huh? i lost my husband too on purpose 2 divorce, my 2 stepsons i raised dont talk to me since, i lost my house, my dog in the divorce, i lost my uterus & my job 9 days post op, so what do we do?

what do we do? i think u should talk to doc about all 3 issues, other things to do? well i can tell u what i do, i read the posts on this site so i know im not alone in what im goin thru, i lean on family & friends, esp. my female friends & women on this site who give me the BEST & MOST support, i dont have alota faith in men except for my father, he is an amazing man & a huge support & has really shined for me during my recovery, i pray alot, i thank god first for all that i have & ask him for strength to get thru, i take care of myself by eating good, exercising as i feel up for it, get enough sleep, i have cried alot, i have yelled, i have punched my pillow, i have written in a journal, i am strongly considering getting a cat, i think thats it, hang in there sister, wait & expect good things to come

Hi.....I am about 4 months post op from a TAH got to keep ovaries. I just recently noticed the hair falling out issue too. seems like my hair is much thinner where before surgery it was super thick. I also have had a very dry scalp. Yeast infections are also a an issue. I had a lab work a few weeks ago and have an appt this week with my regular doc. we will see what strange changes show up.

I'm sorry that you're having to go through this.
Since you had a bso, you are in surgical menopause. It takes a couple of weeks or more for your body to use up it's stores of estrogen. Low estrogen is most likely the cause of the hair loss and itchy skin. The depression can also be from lack of estrogen compounded by the stress in your life.
Other sisters here recommended the book Natural Hormone Balance for Women by Uzzi Reiss. It's a very valuable resource. I found it and another of his books at my library.
I hope your doctor will be able to help you with these issues. Take good care and keep in touch. Your hystersisters are here for you.