What type of doctor should I see?

Question

My GYN thinks I have hypothalamic pituitary failure after a workup to determine why I stopped have periods. I believe I may have some thyroid involvement as well.

What type of doctor should I see to work up this problem? These glands are so important in maintaing 100's of normal bodily functions and they all work intimately together to create a find balance of chemicals and hormones. I would like to find a doctor that truly understands the complexity. I don't think my PCP or GYN are cut out for the task.

Answer 1

I would advise you to see an Endocrinologist.

The area of Endocrinology that you should be concerned with would be hormonal. An endocrinologist deals with disorders of the endocrine system, and these disorders usually have a great deal to do with hormones. I haven't looked at my endocrine system information (notes) in a long time, but I feel like I can answer your question properly.

Hypopituitarism can cover several different disorders, and a problem with the hypothalamus could also exaggerate a pituitary problem. The hypothalamus controls both parts of the pituitary gland, POSTERIOR PITUITARY (the PP) and the ANTERIOR PITUITARY (the AP) through the secretion of "releasing hormones". Diabetes Insipidus refers to a deficiency in the hormones coming from the PP. The term hypopituitarism usually refers to a deficiency in one (or more) of the hormones secreted by the AP. The AP secretes 6 different hormones, such as TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). Another two hormones are secreted, and I will mention these other two because of their relevance here in your situation, are LH (Lutenizing hormone, which effects the menstrual cycle) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone, which does a similar task like LH)
Many times endocrine problems are genetic. My thought would be for you to ask around your family to see if anyone went through a similar ordeal. You will more than likely need some type of brain imaging scan so the doctors can see.what is wrong. Good luck, and if they find anything out of the ordinary I hope you can be treated by simple means.

Doc Brown

Answer 2

I agree with the first answer definately an endocrinologist. You could ask your doc to prescribe the drug METFORMIN this works in a way where the unbalanced hormones, pituitary gland are unbalanced and the metformin works in a way to help balance these hormones. It is given to fertility pts to help their periods return to some sort of regular cycle. Its all very complicated and I dont think Ive explained it properly, BUT basically metformin helps to balance the endocrine system which may be what you need !!! PHEW hope Ive helped x

Answer 3

go see an endocrinologist they specialize in glands

Answer 4

endocrinologist