low Cortisol and Prolatin

[Roseblossom]

Now that I have gotten my blood test done again, now my cortisol and prolatin are low and they want to retest my free t4 level because they forgot to test that from before because that was also low. Do all they test have something to do with each other? What do all of them mean?

[jjohnson5409]

I also have low coritsol, acth and prolactin.  but my adrenal ultrasound was fine.  so if it isn't your adrenals then its the pituitary?  how do we fine that out?  I looked on this site for hypopituitary and there are only a few really bad reason's your pituitary doesn't work.  is there a cure?  thanks for the information

[Dallas869]

It's possible there could be a problem with your pituitary.  The pituitary is a small gland at the base of the brain that is like a "control centre" for the endocrine system.  It produces eight hormones including TSH (which as you know, stimulates the thyroid), ACTH (stimulates the adrenals), and prolactin (important for breastfeeding).  It also produces LH & FSH (stimulates reproductive organs), growth hormone (regulates bone & tissue growth) and a couple of others that are produced in the posterior pituitary.  In most cases of hypopituitarism, 3 or more hormones are deficient ... so if your TSH, your cortisol & your prolactin are all low, you may be dealing with this.  Diagnosis & treatment can be complicated so you'll need an endocrinologist on board.

It might be useful to surf the net & read up on hypopituitarism, so you can ask some good questions next time you see your doc.  

Take care & good luck!
Dallas    

  

[stella5349]

These tests can be all related to each other. It depends though on "what" are the issues.

Cortisol is specifically measures to look at the adrenals - after that and If a problem is uncovered mostly likely thyroid testing is next.

What they mean in general is their are looking or an imbalance in hormones and what's causing it.. What they find is anybody's guess when all the tests are done.