Archive for the ‘Irregular Menstrual Cycle’ Category

Hi everyone.  Well I had my regular check-up with the Endocrinologist this morning. Let’s just say I did a little happy dance on the inside. YAY!!! WOOOHHOOOO!!!!!! My recent blood test from the 18th of September was excellent. My Prolactin levels have dropped rapidly from 1200 miu/L to 686 miu/L. The levels are almost within the normal range of 0-600 miu/L.  (They haven’t been close to this since 2007.) All my other hormone levels eg. FSH, LH, E2, Cortisol, GH, IGFI, TSH, T4 and T3 are perfect. Although my growth hormone is a little lower than it should be, the endocrinologist is not to concerned as it’s more important in childhood. The MRI scan showed that everything is looking normal with the Pituitary Gland, only a small section left on the side due to the tumor removal. Maybe all the eating healthy (Gluten Free / Wheat Free / Dairy Free) , with the occasional splurge of Cadbury’s Chocolate, and taking Zinc, Magnesium and St John’s Wart vitamins have mad some difference to my results. Will most certainly keep it up!

Before my next appointment the endocrinologist has given me a referral to see a Gynocoligist as there may be a slight problem with my ovaries. Nothing too worry about as yet. Also I will have a regular blood test testing all the hormones again.  The overall Best News is that my usual check-ups with the endocrinologist are every 3-4 months. Now my next check-up will be in 6 months. Hopefully it may turn into once a year check-ups

In October 2009 it had been 4 months since my previous appointment with the Endocrinologist and it was time for my next check-up and first consultation with the new Endocrinologist. I had a blood test a week before to check how my hormone levels are functioning, a Pap Smear and an Ultrasound to check on my ovaries, and an MRI to see how the Pituitary was going. I sat in the waiting room holding my scans nervously waiting to be called in and fingers crossed everything is all good. I was called in and showed the endocrinologist my scans as she read my results. I was a little concerned when the endocrinologist said that with the blood test results there was a slight increase in my hormone levels again. My hormone levels functioning showed the main hormone Prolactin with a reading of 774 mIU/L (regular range of 0-500), my estrogen levels are very low and my testosterone levels were a little elevated. The Pap Smear came back all clear, but the ultrasound showed a cyst growing on my right ovary the endocrinologist said she will have to keep an eye on that and have another scan in a few months. The MRI showed the Pituitary a little swollen as this could be still from the surgery and may stay like this due to the tumour being removed from the side. Also because my menstrual cycle is still irregular she wants to try to regulate this with the Pill (which I’m allergic to or possible HRT). I’m not too concerned as yet. Will focus on the other hormones as higher priority. Also to monitor how my entire endocrine system is functioning and producing hormones she gave me another blood test form with all the hormones including Prolactin, Cortisol, Thyroid, Growth Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), glucose, insulin, iron etc. The endocrinologist wanted to see me again in 4 months time in hope for more answers.

I visited my local GP and after several consultations I wasn’t getting any answers. Then when my menstrual cycle had ceased for 12 months and having several pregnancy tests and bloodtest, with a bit of persuasion from family I decide I should consult a female GP to see if it’s more of an issue. I made an appointment with another local GP to get a females perspective on these womens health issues. I had an appointment with the local GP Dr Kristine Johnston to discuss these symptoms further. During the consultation with Dr Kristine Johnston I explained to her my history of health concerns included my current health issues.  With my menstrual cycle irregular since the age of 12, occurring every 3-4 months, and 12 months ago (all of 2004) my cycle ceased altogether. This was quite unusual for a 22 year old female and Dr Johnston was quite concerned and said this must require further investigation. She sent me for a Pelvic Ultrasound, another pregnancy test and a bloodtest to check the activity of my hormone functions in search of answers.