Connection with lupus

Was talking to someone the other day who claimed that autoimmune disorders typically come in pairs so if you have one, chances are you will get another.  In particular, he mentioned that UC sufferers are more prone to acquiring lupus.

I asked my doctor about this and he essentially balked.  But he did tell me that rheumatoid arthritis is something that many UC sufferers also develop over time.

Any thoughts on the subject?  What is a little concerning to me is I noticed about a year ago when I first starting having flare symptoms a general thinning of my hair.  I am still losing hair at what appears to be a more than normal pace, although it really isn't visible to most people since I had an extremely thick head of hair to begin with.  Have had my thyroid checked and that came back fine and this is not normal male pattern baldness so was starting to wonder if there may be something else here that needs to be investigated.

What has anyone out there heard about lupus or other autoimmune disorders?  Any connections with UC???

Yes....PSC (Primary sclerosing cholangitis) can be directly associated with UC. Which comes first is questionable.

I have asthma as well.

I most probably have PSC or PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis..which is autoimmune, but not related to UC).

I can't remember any off-hand UCers with lupus.

I can remember UCers who also have MS.

Ankylosisg Spondylitis is connected with UC as is apparently Interstitial cystitis (as per the urologist I saw, but I don't have it..whew).

Regarding your thinning hair...male pattern baldness is specific, but there are different balding/thinning hair patterns that can be in(hair)ited..couldn't resist the pun.

If you're concerned about autoimmune, get checked for alopecia areata. Have you had hair loss anywhere else on your body?

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