Seeking Insights on Lab Results
Greetings, I am a 34-year-old woman recently diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. My primary care physician mentioned that she wouldn't reevaluate my B12 levels— which have been persistently low—until I consult a specialist. Unfortunately, that appointment has been delayed significantly, so I have started supplementing with B12. Currently, I am experiencing numbness in my extremities and episodic dizziness that sometimes leads to brief blackouts lasting over 10 seconds. For the past four months, I have also been struggling with severe cystic acne that appears along my jawline. Just when I think I've managed to control it, I wake up to discover a fresh pimple. Last year, I underwent a bilateral salpingectomy; I have never been pregnant nor given birth. During my consultations prior to the surgery, my gynecologist identified pelvic adhesions and removed them. Despite that, I continue to endure pain in my right ovary, persistent acne, and have regular menstrual cycles, but with erratic blood flow and hot flashes. As a next step, my primary care provider ordered tests to evaluate my hormone levels. However, I received a call from her assistant informing me that "everything is normal" according to the lab results. This leaves me feeling uncertain; it seems either too superficial an assessment was made or my issues are being overlooked. I apologize if my concerns sound trivial, but I am seeking a second opinion. How can my lab results indicate normal levels while I am experiencing these significant symptoms? Could it be that I’m overreacting? I appreciate your help immensely. My initial four tests were flagged, and I was informed that LabCorp had no clear data regarding either regular or abnormal hormone levels. Thank you once again for your understanding. Here are my lab results for reference: - MCV: High at 103 - MCH: Moderately high at 33.2 - BUN: Low at 5 - BUN/Creatinine Ratio: Low at 6 - LH: 11.3 - FSH: 11.1 - Testosterone: 32 - Free Testosterone: 2.8 - Estradiol: 61.6 - TSH: 2.430
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 5:31:23 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation, and I'm here to help you navigate these concerns with clarity and understanding. You've raised multiple important issues, and it's understandable to feel uncertain when experiencing such symptoms despite lab results indicating "normal" levels.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms—numbness, dizziness, pelvic pain, and cystic acne—deserve thorough investigation, especially given your diagnosis of pernicious anemia.
- Lab results may not always reflect the full picture of your health, as symptoms can sometimes exist even when standard tests are within normal ranges.
- It’s important to prioritize symptom management and advocate for further assessment of your concerns.
Explanation:
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Pernicious Anemia and Symptoms: Pernicious anemia can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve function. Symptoms like numbness and dizziness can arise from low B12 levels, and also from other underlying conditions.
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Cystic Acne and Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact skin health. While your lab results came back "normal," hormones can still fluctuate and may not always be captured accurately in a single test. Persistent symptoms like acne may be due to other factors, including diet, stress, or even side effects from any medications you may be taking.
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Pelvic Pain: Your history of pelvic adhesions and salpingectomy could also contribute to ongoing discomfort. While hormone levels appeared normal, the pain you're feeling warrants further exploration as it could be due to other causes.
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any patterns you notice. This can provide invaluable information to any healthcare provider you consult next.
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Follow-Up on B12 Supplementation: Since you've started B12 supplements, track any changes in your symptoms. If you notice improvement, this could help the specialist evaluate your treatment effectiveness. However, still prioritize the appointment with a specialist for a comprehensive assessment.
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Seek a Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, request an appointment with an endocrinologist for a more in-depth evaluation of your hormone levels and potential underlying issues. Also, consider seeing a dermatologist for your cystic acne, who can explore appropriate treatments tailored to your specific needs.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If you continue to feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, seeking a second opinion from another primary care physician or specialist may be beneficial. This ensures that all your symptoms are thoroughly considered.
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Lifestyle Management: In the meantime, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and manage stress through relaxation techniques. Addressing lifestyle factors can support overall health and may help alleviate some symptoms.
Remember, your concerns are valid, and advocating for your health is a crucial step. Keep prioritizing your well-being and seeking the right support. If you have further questions or need more detailed advice, feel free to ask.
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