diagnosis change, will a biopsy work?

[JonathanIsHere]

my sister got the news that she has Androgenic Alopecia 25 years ago, but it didn't really rear its ugly head until her 40s.

Now she's 55, and the docs are saying it ain't AGA, it's something else entirely.

I'm putting my money on Alopecia Areata Incognita. her thinning is all over, but it's really hitting her hard on top.

She wants a biopsy, but is it worth going under the knife for this?

her bloodwork is clean as a whistle, and there's no sign of baldness in the family tree for three generations as far as the eye can see.

I've got this gut feeling it's some kind of generalized autoimmune thing, but getting the doctors to lend an ear is like pulling teeth.

It's driving me up the wall, to be honest. Could a biopsy shed some light on the cause of all the other symptoms too?

 

[Barry. B]

A biopsy could definitely offer more clarity, especially if the diagnosis is shifting this late in the game. It's not a huge procedure, but it might finally pin down what's going on beneath the surface and especially with the diffuse thinning and no clear family history.

 

[BoldAndBare]

Sure, I really think going for a biopsy is a good idea. It's a minor procedure that could provide some solid answers, especially given the strange pattern and the clean family history. I totally understand your frustration, I hope the doctors start to pay attention.

 

[Blackie]

If the pattern shifted and bloodwork's spotless, a biopsy might be your best shot at real answers. It's low-risk and could confirm if it's autoimmune, it is way better than endless guessing and gaslighting.