tumors affectiing fertility

[myntie]

I went to the doctor complaining of excessive facial hair which has gradually gotten worse over the last couple of years. I also haven't been able to get pregnant over the last 3 years, and have been to the doctor several times for abdominal pains on my right side that make walking unbearable, but they do an xray and say it's ntohing. Once or twice I was told that I had a uterine cyst that burst, but otherwise they told me it was normal.

I went to the doctor more recently because the hair has been getting worse, even on my breasts and chest and my pubic hair grows really fast, so much that I have to wax/shave every other or every 2 days.

She did several tests and found I had elevated DHEAS levels near the 600s but normal testosterone, though my 17-0H progesterone was low (10) as well as FSH levels (which were at 3 a week before my period was due (which is irregular alternating between 30-35 day cycles) and LH which was at 15. I went for a CT scan and he said my adrenal gland was abnormal.

My question is, does an abnormality necessarily mean a tumor, or can it just mean it's larger than normal or something else?

Also, if it is a tumor, and it is functioning, does that mean cancer? Or does it just mean a functioning tumor? What is the difference? I am scheduled for an MRI.

I was looking at Cushings, but it doesn't seem like me, because my cortisol was normal (even towards the low end) and I don't have acne, a hump, or moon face, and my blood pressure is excellent, actually a bit low -- though I've always gained weight in my abdomen before everywhere else, and I'm naturally muscular and athletic.

I have been hypoglycemic at times. I also have been told my white blood cell count is high and I am somewhat anemic. I don't know what's wrong, but could all of these things be related to the adrenal gland? Or could it also be the ovaries? Woudl all of this affect fertility?

[Rachelinpain]

he is probably refering to something called adrenal hyperplasia which can cause many of your symptoms and is usually treated with medications unless it is severe.  the adrenal gland secretes many hormones and you could be having the effects of some overlapping.  there can be tumors associated with it but adrenal adenomas are generally benign and would probably not be removed unless necessary.  it is a big operation to get to adrenal glands (although now adays can be done laproscopically).  As the other posters have said, given you rinfertility PCOS is definaely high on the list and the adrenal "abnormality" may be just incidental and not part of your problem.  good luck and I hope you have success with your pregnancy atttempts.

[myntie]

Thanks guys. Your right, you can feel when something is not quite right, and something is telling me that... the hair growth has been getting worse and its a bit scary - not to mention costly!!!! going to the salon and spending all this time and energy on removal, when there is a REASON why it is getting worse.. I want to deal with the cause rather than the symptoms.

I did look into both Endometriosis and PCOS. The doctor was actually checking to see if I had PCOS with the tests, and I don't think she's ruling it out. I used to have very painful periods, but I stopped with red meat and surprisingly I've had fewer cramps and symptoms, and my periods started coming like clockwork each month.. I also have low blood pressure, no acne or obesity, which made her think I might have symptoms but there might be something else.

It could be a combination of things... I'm just worried about this adrenal gland abnormality... :-( we'll see what she says.

Thanks!

[1nana]

Did your doctor mention the possibility of PCOS?

[anne72]

Have you ever thought it may be Endometrosis? You symptoms sound very like mine. The only way to know for sure is to have lap surgery.

[jjsh44]

I am glad your doctory has decided to do all these tests, I hate it when they don't listen and always tell you you are healthy there is nothing wrong with you. We know our bodies. I'm not sure what it means when she said abnormal. She should have explained whether she thinks it is a tumor, fibroid etc. Thats hard, abnormal can mean so many different things. And yes, I do think it can also have something to do with your ovaries which in turn may definately cause problems with fertility. Keep persistent with yur doctor-and hang in there. Good luck!!