Could The Problem Of Patches With White Hair Growth In Beard Area Be Treated?

Hi, I am 29 yrs old male from mumbai. In nov 09, I had developed few small patches in beard area where hair growth started white in colour. I was diagnosed with Allopecia areata and am taking treatment since nov 09. I undergone the following tests in dec 2009:

Anti microsomal antibody : 89.4 IU/ml Ref range: 0-40

Anti throglobulin antibody : 77.6 IU/ml Ref range : 0-40

Anti nuclear antobody : negative



Free T3 - 3.32 (Ref range: 2.02 - 4.43)

Free T4 - 1.38 (Ref range: 0.932 - 1.71)

TSH - 3.44 (Ref range : 0.27 - 4.2)



The same tests were done again in July 2010 and below are the results:

Anti microsomal antibody : 168.30 IU/ml Ref range: 0-40

Anti throglobulin antibody : 107.70 IU/ml Ref range : 0-40

Anti nuclear antobody : negative



Free T3 - 3.56 (Ref range: 2.02 - 4.43)

Free T4 - 1.38 (Ref range: 0.932 - 1.71)

TSH - 2.88 (Ref range : 0.27 - 4.2)



My doctor has referred me to an Endocrine specialist.

Please help me with the following queries:



1) Please help me understand the above results?



2) My doctor has told me that on the basis of opinion of Endocrine specialist, she will start the medicion and these medicines will have to be taken life long. Please advise if there is no other solution except to take the medicines through out the life. Also if the medicines need to be taken through out life, are there any side effects of the same.



3) can this problem of patches with white hair growth in beard area be treated?



Thanks