Empty pituitary fossa: Hi, in a recent MRI scan... - Thyroid UK

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Empty pituitary fossa

grahamgraham profile image
9 Replies

Hi, in a recent MRI scan for tinnitus I was found to have the pituitary fossa partly empty. The ENT specialist made the comment of expecting me to have underactive pituitary symptoms but I had this tested by an Endocrinology clinic in March who said it was 'normal'.

My GP has just retested TSH, T4, T3 B12, Ferritin & Folate & Calcium. My T3 has always been slightly under the range but no action has ever been taken.

At my Gp's follow up appointment next week are there any specific questions I should be asking ?

Many thanks as always.

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grahamgraham
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greygoose profile image
greygoose

Yes. Why aren't they treating you if your FT3 has always been under-range?

You ought to get hold of those results from March, see exactly what they've tested and exactly what the results are. Don't ever trust anyone who tells you everything is 'normal'!

grahamgraham profile image
grahamgraham in reply togreygoose

Hi again greygoose, thank you for your reply. In the general tests the Endo. did my cortisol was 228, prolactin 278,LH 34.9,FSH 114.8 last TSH 1.91range 0.3-4.7 FT4 15.6 range 9.5-21.5,T3 3.5 range 3.5-6.5.

On your advice I also asked for B12, Ferritin & Folate.

They tested me for calcium & D 4 weeks ago which were low and why they have tested them again along with the above tests.

I have seen 2 different Endos. but neither will prescribe for the low T3.

The pituitary issue has just come to light, I am seeing my GP for a follow up on all these issues next week but wanted to make sure I asked all I needed to before the 'book' is passed on once again !

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply tograhamgraham

I suppose they're just looking at the TSH. But, if you have a pituitary problem, the TSH is no use at all.

When you said the endo had done tests, I thought you mean tests for the pituitary. That's what he ought to be doing. Here's a list of tests that need doing :

pituitary.org.uk/informatio...

grahamgraham profile image
grahamgraham in reply togreygoose

Many thanks greygoose, I will look into these .

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply tograhamgraham

You're welcome.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply tograhamgraham

A referral to a pituitary specialist if what's required.

Also make sure you get B12 and folate results

How low was vitamin D and add you now on vitamin D supplements, if so how much?

Calcium is usually low when vitamin D is low. It should naturally rise as vitamin D level improves

Also read up on importance of magnesium and vitamin K2 Mk7 supplements when taking vitamin D

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

grahamgraham profile image
grahamgraham in reply toSlowDragon

Hi, many thanks for your reply - what would we all do without your site ??!!

The calcium test I had in March was 2.4mmol/L, Vitamin D 'Replete'.

My GP tested again in June and just said it was too low - hence the new tests yesterday- results next week at the GP appointment. I will make sure I get the actual results.

I will read up on the other supplements.

Once again thank-you.

Hi what time was your cortisol done? Your level of 228 if it was done at 9am was low & should have been investigated further. Your thyroid results will be impacted by your pituitary issues. Sadly not all Endos are experienced with adrenal/pituitary issues so you need to find one who is experienced, again the Pituitary Foundation will be able to help you with where to go. You need a full pituitary panel done to see if you are producing any hormones but certainly a cortisol level of 228 as you could have adrenal insufficiency. Good luck!

grahamgraham profile image
grahamgraham in reply to

Hi Pauline,

Many thanks for your reply. Good point about the cortisol !! It was 9.30 by the time they took the test - I had been awake from 3.30. I had a dreadful reaction to the test - I passed out, my pulse rate was down to 32 and the blood pressure was rock bottom. 4 nurses and a doctor later they then started asking me about low heart rate etc. I explained my heart rate can sometimes be as low as 30 - I have ended up in A&E with Bradycardia and kept in overnight. Perhaps these questions should have been asked before they administered the cortisol etc. or at least have read my notes. Most unscientific testing imaginable.

This is the second Endo. I have seen as I requested a second opinion - the one I saw the second time is supposed to be a National expert. Hmmm.

Something about heads and brick walls !!

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