thanks, that makes more sense.
Usually, a doc checks off "thyroid panel" and that for most labs test two, yes two, things, - which is TSH and T4. The TSH tests what the pituitary is telling the thyroid to do and the plain T4 is not a very usually test in of itself. Also, most labs still have the incorrect range for TSH.
To really know what the thyroid is doing - you would want the Free T3 and free T4 which test what the thyroid actually is doing. Then the antibody tests to see if the thyroid is diseased - if hyper, graves, if hypo, hashimoto's. Some people I have heard have both.
Look around at the thyroid board here as well for guidance.
rumpled, you mention that a regular thyroid panel wouldn't be useful. I don't really understand what you mean. Could you maybe explain it more. I had a test for thyriod problems, that was negative, but i have most of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Thanks, i thought a regular mri would be enough. I'll be sure to mention that.
A CT rarely shows pituitary issues unless it is very large.
An MRI will not unless it is ordered properly as well - it needs to be dynamic (with and without contrast, and pictures taken while contrast is given). An experienced center is best as they can goof this up - i.e. I went to a bad center and my pics were black.
Having a brain bleed may make you more susceptible - I would ask for a full check up and a regular thyroid panel (TSH and T4) is not useful.
I was checked for thyriod disorders and they didn't find anything. I am going to see my doctor again next week and ask for an mri.
Of course I'm going to be on high alert about all of this because I did have a pituitary tumor, but the cold could be a symptom of hypothyroidism (although I'm not really sure about the weight loss or high pulse.. Usually weight gain goes along with a slowing of the pituitary functions)
I would always want to err on the side of caution and get an MRI if you can. My CT scan was negative and my MRI showed a fairly large pituitary tumor. Good luck and keep us posted.
i forgot to mention that i frequently feel dizzy and of balance as well.