Blood testing/related auto immune

Hey All,

For anyone who doesn't know my story, I first experienced AA in April of 2012. Had a huge softball size spot on my crown and then one in the front of my head. Both of which have since grown back but now I am experiencing diffuse alopecia. No noticeable spots but my hair is much much thinner than it has ever been in my life. Dealing with that as it comes. While I believe this is auto immune for me, and not related to some other health issue, I feel like there is a good chance it is related to some underlying auto immune disorder. I went to my general doctor about a month ago for a full physical and expressed my concern/curiosity about seeing if there were a link. My entire life I have struggled with fatigue and a general sense of malaise. This could just be a me thing but it could also be something different. She seemed to run very basic blood tests(the standard) and they all came back normal(which I almost don't believe because I'm sure I'm at least slightly anemic), however she didn't really seem to look more in to or suggest other tests that could maybe find out more. Are there suggestions of testing you have found helpful? Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Karen Smith on September 11, 2013 at 10:00am

Have her look for B-12 deficiency. My daughter's levels are low and she takes shots for this and it helps her feel better. It is an autoimmune thing because she is not metabolizing the b-12 in the gut. Fatigue is a symptom of low levels.

Permalink Reply by Sunflower25 on September 15, 2013 at 8:43am

Did they do an ANA? It won't show all autoimmunes, but it can rule out RA and Lupus.

Permalink Reply by Mindy on September 15, 2013 at 10:47am

I have had a lot of test done because I have episodes of severe body aches, headaches, throwing up and extreme fatigue then I lose a lot of hair. I have had the ANA, hormone, catscan, liver, all vitamins, thyroid ect. done. All come out normal but then my dr finally referred me to a Rheumatologist and I go in Oct. When I spoke with them the lady said that they deal with exactly that type of stuff. It was a weight lifted off my shoulders! So hopefully I will get some answers but maybe that is where you should start. Because all my blood test are "normal". I had one PA tell me that it could just be depression -.- Gee Thanks? It is not all in my head. It is not an anxiety attack. I have had those and it is not that. I hope you can figure it out!

Permalink Reply by michelle on September 15, 2013 at 2:12pm

Hi There,

I have AU..started losing hair a little over 2 years. ago. I was diagnosed with post traumatic fibromyalgia in 2007 after a car accident. My GP and myself have questioned other underlying auto immune disease specifically lupus. Two rhumatologist later....all of the blood work is normal. I am now seeing an immunologist in early Oct. A good family doc that listens to you is the key.

Permalink Reply by Cindie on September 16, 2013 at 9:24am

All the other ladies here have suggested would I would have said...an ANA blood test. I went to a rheumatologist sometime ago for a problem unrelated to the alopecia, and my ANA test was abnormal. I think that's an important doctor to see....a rheumatologist.

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