Pituitary microadenoma

In june Iwas diagnosed with a 2.5 mm microadenoma. most blood work was normal except testoserone was 103. Iam 51  years old. In the last 6months my world has fallen apart. My symptoms are insomnia impotence  anxiety  and severe vision problems. wounds wont heal. strange bruising. Dr told me these symptoms would not come from such a small tumor. Do you agree

[Daniel M Prevedello, MD]

Dear Ronbella

I agree with my good friend Rumpled.

It is important to go through specific tests to rule out that a microadenoma may be the cause of your symptoms. To give you an example, patients with Cushing's disease often have normal levels of serum cortisol. Only after 24h urine free cortisol analysis the diagnosis is made.

Please see a neuroendocrinologist.

Thank you

[rumpled]

Please find a pituitary center and a neuro-endo. You will find one at larger hospitals and typically at university hospitals.

Without a range I am not sure about that testosterone - as well I don't know if your doctor tested ALL the adrogens like FSH LH sex binding hormone estrodiol and even DHEA and what type of testosterone (what that free or total or bio-available - the latter being best you get everything!). It is also likely your doctor did not test all the pituitary hormones.

I would also seek a neuro-optho and get a consult as well.

I had a smaller pituitary tumor myself and had a great many issues myself - while your tumor is too small to impact your optic nerve your muscles may have issues. Weird bruises. I also had horrible wound healing issues. Libido - none. Fatigue and more.

I would suggest you get copies of everything - now and forever - so you know exactly what is tested and the results. Find a doctor. Always know when and why the testing (time of testing is critical and lab error keeps many of us from getting diagnosed!). So we pituitary patients must be an educated bunch. There are links in the health pages in the patient forum to help.

Short answer though from a fellow patient - I do not agree with your doctor.