Fungi possess cell walls made of the glucosamine polymer chitin, and algae typically possess walls made of glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Unusually, diatoms have a cell wall composed of biogenic silica.
While stress does not appear to cause thyroid problems, a person with an overactive thyroid would typically be anxious and could definitely feel more stressed than usual. Also, if you take thyroid hormone pills for an underactive thyroid gland, your dose may be too high.
It is possible that stress induces hormonal changes that are responsible for the hair loss, since hair loss is a known consequence of other hormonal changes due to pregnancy, thyroid disturbances, or even from taking oral contraceptives.