What do you make of these symptoms?

[cjfulton]

I am a 41-year old female.  I went for a routine eye exam 7 months ago and was told I have a field vision loss, particularly in my left eye.  I was referred to a neuro. opthalmologist who suspected a pituitary tumor. I had a MRI which came back normal, he said he was "stumped" and to repeat the FV test in 6 months.  I did that and it showed the defect has progressed.  I returned to the specialist who said my left optic nerve is "paling", indicative of MS, return in 8 months. I am very uncomfortable waiting 8 months for such a serious health issue!  These are my other symptoms:  fatigue, night sweats, facial & chest hair, weight gain, intense itching, heavy periods, prolactin level of 30.35 (I talked him into doing this blood test), sinus congestion, poor memory and concentration, weight gain.  I take 50 mcg. of Synthroid (diagnosed as mildly hypothyroid in March) and 20 mg. of Paxil daily.  I don't have any loss of sensation in my limbs or any MS symptoms.  I would appreciate any suggestions or direction you could give me.

[squeala7]

Hi! I would certainly have your hormones checked - blood as well as saliva - I had the same things - although mine is perimenopausal - you are probably showing early signs of menopause and a serious hormone imbalance - the hair growth, everything you have mentioned is what I went though as well.
My progesterone was way out of whack - my estrogen was very low / I was having palpitations etc - hoarse voice, migraines,
visual disturbances / flashes / all sorts of wierd things. hormones can play heck on your system - Thyroid and hormones!
CHECK them - Hormone replacement or low dose bc pill could change your life!  Good luck!

[BGS]

When I began experiencing menstrual/hormonal & concentration difficulties similar to those you describe, (also, incidentally, migraine-like light flashes), I was under a lot of stress & the Zoloft the doctor prescribed did help.  However, some of these may also be symptoms of hypothyroidism, and it wasn't noticed until months later that my thyroid levels were seriously out of whack.  Apparently, the Synthroid that I have been taking for years wasn't being properly absorbed, probably because I was taking it at the same time every day as an iron-containing prenatal vitamin.  I attribute my depressive symptoms to actually being very hypothyroid.  Incidentally, new literature says that you also shouldn't take it with calcium supplements.  Perhaps having follow-up checks (and not just assuming that because you're taking supplementation it couldn't be lingering thyroid issues) would be helpful??

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

First, make sure the MRI really is normal. Consider taking your films to a neurologist to get them read or amke sure they are read by a neuroradiologist. Second, you need to consider going to see an endocrinologist and maybe a gynecologist to formally evaluate all of your hormones and your ovaries. Ordering a bunch of random hormone labs may miss something and certainly does not replace a formal exam and professional opinion. Third, you may have an additional problem going on in your eye and brain such as optic neuritis which is a risk factor in MS. Finally, consider seeing a neurologist about your eye and getting a good neuro exam. I too would be uncomfortable waiting 8 months with all of your active symptoms and progressive vision loss. I know I've recommended a lot of doctors, so talk to your primary and figure out which one you definitely need to see and in which order. Best of luck.

[Amy]

I'm no doctor but it may be hormones, maybe you are going through the change.