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Should I ask for a lupus test or am I being paranoid?

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Posted 6/14/2015 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hello there. Some quick background I'm 31yo with autoimmune Graves' disease in remission I've had two flares in my life.
the past four months, once a month (the night before my period starts) I get a flushing rash on my face (always between 7-9pm and lasts about 30mins), then on the day I ovulate I get extreme fatigue & a headache. My hair is thinning at the front in one patch but I have been bleaching it heavily.
No light sensitivity. & food allergy test was clear. Last graves antibody test was weak positive and I've been in remission a year with regular bloods.
I wish I could upload my rash pics but I'm useless. It isn't raised and don't doesn't itch and covers cheeks nose and occasionally chin and blotchy forehead but mostly butterfly area. I'm terrified of having a new autoimmune disease, I almost gave up the fight with how ill I was after having my daughter but she is my world, the idea of being too poorly again Is heartbreaking. My GP completely ignored the date/times of rash and said its strawberries which of course it wasn't! I'm so fed up.
Basically does anyone else get a monthly rash?! Thank you for any advice x
Posted 6/14/2015 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
There is no single test for Lupus. Lupus is diagnosed by symptoms, generally you need 4 of 11 symptoms for diagnosis and treatment, both of which are done by a rheumotologist.

Check out the link below, Diagnosing Lupus, and if you are still concerned that Lupus might be a problem, visit a rheumatologist for an evaluation.

It sounds like your main concern is a rash/flushing associated with your menses. Have you seen a dermatologist or consulted with your gynecologist? Those might be better places to start questioning rather than jumping to something as serious as Lupus can be.

Best wishes,
Posted 6/15/2015 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
I am not a doctor, so take this as only MY experience.

It could be that your body has become allergic to the hormones you produce before your period. I get clear, itchy blisters on my elbows about a week or two before I start mine. It took me a while to figure out the connection since it didn't happen right at the same time. Turns out it is autoimmune progesterone dermatitis.

I completely agree that you should speak with your gyno regarding your symptoms.
Posted 6/15/2015 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Go to a rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 1995. In 2006 started having muscle pain and headaches, finally after a ton of doctors and specialists they diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. The years go on, I'm getting worse and have more symptoms, BAD FATIGUE among other things. The rheumatologist finds out I have rheumatoid arthritis too! Now, I start coming down with this red rash on my face and white patches on my hands, feet, legs and arms (I'm Caucasian) so I decide I need a second opinion from another rheumatologist, well he confirms the fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and after we get the blood work back, possibly Lupus! In addition the thyroid disease. My brother has Lupus and it can be genetic. The doc says all these autoimmune diseases can run parallel, not unusual! My suggestion is have blood work done by a rheumatologist and make sure you tell him/her ALL your symptoms!! Good luck! wink I also confirm all of this through the Mayo clinic, which I go to for an appointment, best medical facility ever!!!
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