Enlarged pituitary gland and thyroid???

[Korat]

I've had the regular thyroid checks by my pcp and it's always been normal. I've had headaches since age 12 and sometimes vision blackouts, just recently had a mri and contrast mri that they say my pituitary gland is enlarged. The Neurologist and Endocrinologist don't think it's a tumor, but have not ruled it out. My thyroid feels normal to the doctor, so how can this be a thyroid problem? I've just had a lot of test like tsh, t3, t4 and trh what are these test? I'm new here any help would be appreciated. I also get very tired, having some hair loss and get cold very easy. I did not like the trh test it made me very nauseated and weird all day. My blood pressure readings are good not too low recently was 108 over 66, sometimes I run lower, usually it's 110 over 64. The Endocrinologist said my whole pituitary gland was enlarged. So could this be hypothyroidism?
Thanks for letting me vent, I also have asthma but have only been on asthma meds for the last 12 years and recently dx with osteoarthritis, ddd spinal stenosis (S1 thru L3). I'll be very happy when the headaches go away.
  

[foxey54]

just got my mri rreports, back it said i had aasymmetry of  pituitary gland, 3 yrs, ago i had a small tumor it's not on there now.i have this other report.  can this cauuse plubles with heart rate . setting mines abouth 89. standing abouth 140

[Poetcounsel]

I have a large pituitary tumor. I go to see a specialist today. Do you have any insights and experiences to share about how to assist in my care? It is pressing on the optic nerve but I still have some sight.

Poetcounsel

[Phoenix513]

I am a survivor of a golf ball sized TSH producing pituitary tumor. I just want to wish you luck. Another good site is  www.pituitarynetwork.com     The site gives info on doctors in your area and support from others. My only bit of advice is never stop fighting. I've been going at it for 4 years and doing good. Best Wishes
-Martin-

[Korat]

Wow and thanks again. I went to that wedsite and it is good. I found a spouse support website on there too, might help my husband. Thanks again and I wish you well too. (((Soft HUGZ)))

[Jenipeni]

No worries - it can be really overwhelming when you are sitting in the doctors and they are telling you all this stuff using big medical words that you've never come across before.  You are not alone here!

Definately ask for copies of your test results - you have a right to them, it is your information and I know I can never remember all those numbers and what they mean without having all the information in front of me.  Most doctors are okay with that - at least I haven't come across one that's not BUT I usually ask the receptionist because doc's don't usually like having to do stuff like photocopying!  Maybe first time check with the doc.

Here's a couple of websites for you to look through for more info if you want;

http://www.pituitary.org/

http://www.pituitary.asn.au/

http://www.pituitary.org.uk/

*IF* you are like me you'll find that educating yourself about your condition is empowering.  Sometimes fear of the unknown is worse than knowing.  BUT don't scare yourself, some people have awful stories about what has happened to them - always look on the bright side okay?  
Cheers,
~Jen

[Korat]

Thanks for all the information it helps, now I understand it a little better. It's nice to have a site like this when others can help. Thank you so much for taking the time for your reply, it is greatly appreciated. I tried hard to pay attention to the Doctor but I kinda zoned outta it and it all still seems a bit surreal. Do you think it'd be okay to ask for a copy of my test results when they come back?  Or are Doctor's not okay with that? Thanks it really helps.

[Korat]

Thank you for the welcome and lots of well wishes to you too.

[Jenipeni]

Hi,
I'm sorry that you are facing this - I can only give you some information on the anatomy and physiology of the pituitary gland and it's relationship with the thyroid gland.

TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone - and that's what it does - stimulates the thyroid gland to release stored thyroid hormone.  This Hormone (TSH) is made by the pituitary gland in response to a message (TRH) from the hypothalamus which is like a control centre for the brain.  The hypothalamus detects what level of thyroid hormone is in the blood and sends a corresponding message to the pituitary gland.  This system is a feedback loop - if there's too much thyroid hormone in your blood the hypothalamus stops sending the messages to the pituitary gland to make TSH.  If there's not enough thyroid hormone in your blood then the hypothalamus makes increased amounts of TRH which corresponds with the pituitary making increased amounts of TSH and hopefully resulting in increased amounts of thyroid hormone being released if your thyroid gland is working properly.

Normally (when everything is okay with the pituitary) TSH is a reliable indicator if the person has a thyroid problems because if it is high it clearly relates to hypothyroidism and if it excessively low it clearly relates to hyperthyroidism.  In your case the lines are blurred - have they worked out if pituitary function is affected?  Will probably do lots of blood tests I imagine.

It is pretty rare for something to go wrong with the pituitary gland.  Enlargement of your pituitary gland may or may not mean a change in it's function.  It is something they will have to keep an eye on - if it continues to grow and to make sure it continues to function okay.

TSH is just one of the hormones made by the pituitary gland.  The pituitary gland is actually split in two divisions; the Anterior pituitary (Adenophpophysis) and the Posterior pituitary  (Neurohypophysis).  Each division makes different hormones.

Anterior Pituitary;
TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, as explained above.
ACTH - Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone, contributes to metabolisma & fluid balance
MSH - Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone, not sure about function
Prolactin - acts on the mammary glands (breasts)
Growth Hormone - mainly important in the years of growth

Posterior Pituitary;
ADH - Antidiuretic Hormone, involved in maintaining fluid balance
Oxytocin - Acts on muscles of the uterus during childbirth
FSH - Follicle Stimulating Hormone*
LH - Lutenising Hormone*

*Both these act on ovaries (female) or testes (male) to produce oestrogen and testosterone - yes men have some oestrogen and females have some testosterone too.

Even when the pituitary gland is not functioning right not all hormones are affected in every person.  The pituitary gland is only the size of a pea!!!  It is inside the brain somewhere deep behind your nose area.  I have known people who have had a tumour and had their pituitary gland removed.  Now they must take replacement medications for the rest of their life and have regular blood tests to check everything is going alright.  Its pretty complex and they have a VERY good endocrinologist and require careful management and close monitoring.

I'm sorry I don't know if that helps you at all.  It is a REALLY complex area and what I've passed on is about the extent of my knowledge about it all.    
Best wishes and wellness to you!
Cheers,
~Jen

[Venora Moonwind]

I cant help much with what you are going throigh.I just wanted to welcome you to the forum.Others will be by that can help you more than me.So welcome and get your tin foil hat and get the checken roasted. we got to set an extra dinner plate.LOL.
Love Venora