pituitary macroadenoma and conceiving

[nattymcgee]

After findiing out I had vision problems through a field vision test, my opthamologist suggested I get an MRI to see if anything was causing the optic nerve damage in my one eye. The MRI showed that nothing was pressing against the optic nerve and that I was probably just born that way. But the MRI did show a small pituitary macroadenoma. I'm following up with my GP tomorrow to see what our next course of action is but I have no real symptoms from this tumor.

My question is regarding pregnancy. I was able to conceive my daughter within the first month of trying (she's 3 now) but for the last year or so we've been trying to get pregnant again but nothing. I'm wondering how much this tumor is reaking havoc on my ability to conceive. Have others conceived easily with this condition? If I still want kids, will this affect my treatment?

Thx.

[rumpled]

Good. You should get to a pituitary center.

Pituitary symptoms are more like being a couch potato, and so many go undiagnosed for years, It took me over 12 years to get help even with the tumor seen.

[nattymcgee]

Thanks for the information!

My GP is not going to treat me, I assume she's just going to get the ball rolling and refer me to a specialist. And I do have a small macroadenoma, not micro. I'm not sure what the dimensions are but that's what the opthomologist wrote down for me.

I definitely have some subtle symptoms like the hair loss thing and fatigue but thought those were attributed to recently having had a baby. So many things are starting to make sense now regarding my health! It's almost a relief.

[rumpled]

If the tumor is under 10mm, it is called a micro-adenoma.  Is your over 10mm?

In any case, you need to see a neuro-endocrinologist. You need to get testing to find out what kind of tumor this is. Your GP is not qualified to treat this tumor. They are pretty difficult to test and treat.

As for pregnancy, the pituitary controls your hormones. If your hormones are off, it may be more difficult. Yes, treatment changes a bit if you want children still as the surgeon may be less aggressive but then the tumor may keep coming back and you may have repeated surgeries. Some tumors can be treated with medications so you have to know what type of tumor this is. You may think you have no symptoms, but hormones are more subtle - fatigue, acne, aches, lactation, lack of libido, hair loss, etc, can be symptoms.