| Re: Questions about Hashimoto's for newly diagnosed (male) patient
Alopecia is an interesting symptom, and I'm curious what others say about it. I was recently diagnosed with Hashi's too, although not hypothyroid exactly... perhaps subclinical. But I do have a patch on the nape of my neck, where no facial hair grows anymore. I noticed this about a year ago, which, when I think about it, is when some of my symptoms just about started.
And although having a disease isn't fun, I wouldn't be overly concerned about Hashimoto's in of itself. I think we are at an increased risk for some other autoimmune diseases, and perhaps it can cause some symptoms on its own, but it's mostly just a cause for your hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones (Synthroid, etc), should hopefully reduce the Hashi antibodies anyway. If you are having any odd symptoms or don't feel as well as normal, you can ask your doctor about changing your dosage, or if you need some T3 added.
Last edited by namelessme; 09-15-2008 at 04:27 PM.
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I just spoke with my doctor who diagnosed the spots on my chin over the phone as a fungal condition called tinea barbae, although I am 100% convinced she is wrong. For one, the spots look exactly like pics I found of alopecia areata and nothing like the pics of tinea barbae, and while I know pics are not a reliable source to base my judgment on, I think the fact that all of the descriptions I've seen of alopecia areata have included some reference to Hashimoto's or other autoimmune diseases pretty much seals the deal for me. Nonetheless I'm going in for another appointment this Friday. I'll post the results.
