Possible microadenoma on pituitary gland

[slug09]

Hi all,

For the past year or so (since November 2012) I've been getting really bad headaches and feeling so weak and tired. I went to my GP around May 2013 as the headaches and fatigue seemed to be getting a lot worse at this point. I was referred for an MRI scan, which came back as my pituitary gland being slightly enlarged, but they said this was normal for my age (25). I still complained of headaches and so I had another MRI with contrast this time, I got the result of this yesterday which suggests a 'possible microadenoma'. I did have blood tests done before the MRI with contrast and all of these results were normal.

I have suffered since I was 11 years old with my periods, I used to faint due to being very lightheaded every month and due to the pain. Over the years I have tired various contraceptive pills, the implant and the mirena coil and nothing has helped. I've felt fobbed off by GP's in the past, as they just said to keep trying different contraceptive pills to see what will work for me, I think I went through about 7 different ones, and you can imagine how I was feeling at this point! Before trying these different pills I was diagnosed with PMDD due to the way I felt when time of the month was coming; I was pretty much suicidal.

I then went onto the implant, which made everything 10 times worse, and then had the mirena coil fitted, during this time I had a laparoscopy, in which they were investigating for endometriosis due to the trouble I was having with my periods at that particular time. The result was nothing abnormal, and I just had internal vaginal thrust.

So, I kept the coil in for around 18 months and had it removed as I felt it was doing nothing for me, it seemed to just work as a contraceptive, but that was it. However, it did interfere with intercourse as I would get pains during and my partner could feel the coil end! I have tried various vitamins in case I was lacking in anything. I think vitamin B6 has helped slightly, but not that noticeable!

I ended up on citalopram (anti-depressant) at the same time I had the coil fitted (July 2010) for mental health reasons, I now no longer need to take citalopram everyday and my GP has said that it is safe for me to take citalopram just around a period time due to the way I feel each month. I've felt that this has helped compared to taking contraceptive pills, etc.

So, now I'm being referred to an endocrinologist, but compared with other posts I have read I'm not sure what they will do?? :s Other people have had abnormal blood results, etc so there is something to go on, but I haven't. My periods have always been irregular, heavy, crampy and leave me feeling generally crap for about a week or two every month. But, other than that nothing major. I don't know why I have a possible benign tumor on my pituitary gland, as from what I have read online if the pituitary is producing too much or too little of a hormone a tumour can develop. I'm just rather confused about it all at the moment!


Thanks :)

[slug09]

Hi,

From what I remember my FSH, TSH and ACTH were tested. I am unsure why the others that you mentioned weren't tested. I've been told I don't have an imbalance due to the results from the blood tests. I've had an ultrasound in the past due to having issues with my periods, but results were normal. I had a laparoscopy also to rule out endometriosis and any cysts on my ovaries, and that was also all fine.

I am now registered with a new GP due to recently moving house, so I hope they can help me further! My previous GP said that I should be referred to endocrinology also.

Thanks for your reply.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I understand that you mention normal blood tests but I wonder if your pituitary hormones tested. Given your history of irregular periods, you must get FSH, LH, TSH, GH, ACTH and prolactin levels check. Pituitary microadenoma can be treated with hormones if there is a hormonal imbalance. Otherwise, usually it does not cause any pressure symptoms. Hormonal imbalance can also cause headaches. If pituitary hormones are normal then you must get an abdominal ultrasound to rule out polycystic ovaries and test for insulin resistance. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.