An article on hypopituitarism in the Daily Mail today. I never knew it could be caused by a physical brain injury & the tests are poor.

[Totoro]

dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

It may be of interest or relevance to someone here.

[jimh111]

Can occur a few months after whiplash also.

[Poppy_the_cat in reply to jimh111]

This seems to be a very interesting article and I was wondering if it could relate in some way to the car accident I had which preceded my hypothyroid diagnosis by 4 months? My second visit to the thyroid specialist now this month has confirmed that I have Hashimotos. I am now awaiting further third round of test results as I am also producing constant, very high levels of cortisol. I will be seeing him again in mid June to see what else these latest test results come back with.

[nightingale-56]

A really interesting article - helps me to explain my son's health problems to his care staff, who seem to think his sleeping habits will come round to their way of thinking if they change some of his medication times! Been trying certain things for years and have got things as best as they can be, so don't need the staff to change things now. Beginning to wish we had not gone down the supported living route, although he seems happy to be where he is, which is the main thing. Janet.

[Clutter]

It has been known for some time, which begs the question why has NICE not made the recommendation?

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

It is so terribly so easy to answer that one... Because it will cost and someone who suggested this would be sucked.

[helvella Administrator]

We have our own member here:

healthunlocked.com/user/hea...

With her very sad tale - see her site and her previous posts and responses.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Rod

[helvella Administrator]

When they say that the pituitary is the size of a pea, do they mean petit pois or marrowfat?

Rod

[HarryE in reply to helvella]

I'm sure there is a reference range for peas too Rod

[Hidden]

That pea has a lot to answer for! (whether petit or marrow gros)

patient.co.uk/health/the-pi...

The anterior pituitary makes and releases several hormones

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)Adrenal glandsStimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol is important in controlling your metabolism, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent, and helps your body to resist certain stresses such as bleeding or fasting.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)Ovaries (women) Testes (men)Stimulates the ovaries to produce an ovum (egg) for fertilisation. Also causes an increase in the hormone oestrogen Stimulates the testes to produce sperm.

Growth hormone (GH)Many different cells of the bodyThe most well-known effect in children is to increase height. In adults and children it helps to control the amount of muscle and fat in the body. It also helps to heal injuries and it promotes your immune system.

Luteinising hormone (LH)Ovaries (women)

Testes (men)Triggers ovulation - the release of what will become an ovum (egg) ready for fertilisation.

Stimulates cells in the testes to produce testosterone

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)Brain?The exact role in humans is unknown. It may influence brain activity; when too much is present, it may cause darkening of the skin.

ProlactinBreastsTogether with other hormones, prolactin stimulates the breasts to produce milk.

It is also found in women who aren’t pregnant. Men also have prolactin, but its function is not understood well.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)Thyroid glandTSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce its own hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

These hormones help to control many bodily functions, including heart rate, temperature and metabolism.

... and that's only the half a story! (posterior next!)

Oh and my ENT doc said Thyroid was nothing to do with the Pituitary (Dad had acromegaly) guess he missed the lecture...I have a vision he's wearing a thyroid necklace - eugh! nasty thought sorry.....(they have to have a number of tricky ops 'under their belts' for surgeon qualifications) .... J

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

You are the princess (how many mattresses?) and I claim my five pounds.

Forget not the pituitary stalk!

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

OK Prinsessen paa Ærten - it was 20 mattresses plus 20 feather beds apparently - who promised £5? - it's Krona - besides I could sleep on 20 tin-fulls and not even notice!

and what was I supposed to ask next week about Danish NT? Matas? I forget easy....

~ Piggies rule in Hamlet-ville! ~

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK]

I have been in communication with the people involved in this article but particularly with a man who, although he contributed his story and has been helping in the campaign, for some reason was not mentioned in the article - goo.gl/9C1oXI

I always ask the question about head injury when I speak to people and in 9 out of 10 cases they say they have had a head injury in the past......

We are in the process of writing a new article on adrenals and pituitary that covers this.

[Loo44]

I'm hypopit too. 25 years diagnosed as ME/CFS sufferer. Finally got brain MRI after begging gp - had lost my peripheral vision in left eye. 3cm pituitary tumour found. Op performed 28 January this year. 3 months on and I'm shattered. Am on 125 mg thyroxine, hydrocortisone and now been told I'm growth hormone deficient too. I have no energy and no life and am bed bound most of the time xx

[HarryE in reply to Loo44]

Loo, I'm so sorry, what an awful story. I do hope you get some improvement xx

[Loo44 in reply to HarryE]

Thanks Harry xx

[Hidden in reply to Loo44]

Oh Loo I have followed your experience anf really hoped you were now on the mend! Is all this what is expected after such an op, have docs said ehen things are likely to improve for you? I remember you being very kind and encouraging when my endo suspected acromegaly and last time I messaged I thought you were improving albeit slowly.Whats the next step, so sorry didnt realise thingd were this bad for you. Sending hugs...kim

[Loo44 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Kim, much appreciated. No, I didn't expect this after my op, I was not warned about it, but perhaps that's just as well as I might have refused the op! Drs say things will improve, but it takes time. Lots of hormones to be sorted and each replacement drug affects the other hormones which means meds need adjusting, so I do understand the time frame, I just find it very frustrating. I had my MRI follow up report through yesterday and it says no residual tumour, to stay on hydrocortisone and to start growth hormone! Looking at adult growth hormone deficiency symptoms perfectly explains my ailments! Am back to see endo in August so don't think anything will happen before then. At least I have some hope now that things will improve. I have joined a great forum on Facebook about GH deficiency and the people on it are very helpful and supportive. I've had a good few days - must be the sunshine - and have managed to sit in the garden. I've also gone cold turkey quit smoking 21 days ago - I do crave now and then, but am pleased with myself so far lol. How are you doing? Hugs, Laura xx