Doctors’ Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” – Pituitary
These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
[posted 08/12/1999]
Question: I am a 66-year old male, diagnosed with a pituitary tumor
and high prolactin level.
I take Parlodel 2.5 mg twice a day. I had suffered male
impotency for more than 25 years until I began taking
Parlodel about 45 days ago. My prolactin is now
in thevlow range, but I am continuously obsessed with sex.
While my wife welcomes it, it is unnerving that I cannot
see a mature female without visualizing oral sex, both
active and passive. Is this common in males? Are there
help groups?
Should I press my doctor to reduce or eliminate my taking
Parlodel? Maybe, I have previously been impotent so long
that what I am now feeling is “normal.” Possible?
What about Parlodel in conjunction with Prozac?
Is it very rare for males to take Parlodel?
A prompt response would be appreciated. I’m both excited
and scared.
Answer: This would be an uncommon reaction to Parlodel, but it does restore normal pituitary(hence sexual hormone) function. Discuss it with your doctor, I suspect you are merely experiencing normal sexual drive after a hiatus. Prolactin secreting tumors are slightly more common in women,but seen in many men.
Pituitary Adenomas [posted
1/14/99]
Question: I am currently taking bromocriptine (2.5 mg/day) for a pituitary adenoma.
I have been taking it since 1989. Recently I heard about a medication called Dostinex and
was interested to learn that it can be taken less frequently than bromocriptine. This
seems an attractive prospect, however, I would like to know what side effects there are,
if any, and if there is any research that shows a reduction in tumor size using this
medication. (With bromocriptine my tumor shrank to almost nothing.) Finally, what would be
an effective dose, if I should choose to change my medication?
Answer: Pretty similar in terms of effect. A little less nausea in some patients
and easier to take. More expensive. A little better drug if you have a drug reimbursement
program, worth a try and see which one is better tolerated.
Pituitary Problems [posted
7/27/98]
Question: I have been having severe headaches, high blood pressure, water
retention, weight gain, puffiness, hair growth on the chin and neck, loss of menstrual
cycle and inability to conceive. 12 years ago I had a CAT scan because I similar symptoms
then and they found a spot that was “not quite normal” but because my hormone
levels were okay at that time they did not feel it was a problem. For the last 4 years I
have been trying to conceive and have seen a fertility specialist, but I do not ovulate.
My hormone levels were reversed and my prolactin level was 14. Because my headaches are so
severe I had my hormone levels re-tested and prolactin is 11.4 fsh 4 and lh 8, which my
doctor said was normal. He did put me on a water pill aldactone and lassix which has
helped my blood pressure but not my water retention and puffiness. Any suggestions or test
suggestions would be appreciated.
Answer: Normal, but high normal. I’d try a month or two of bromocriptine or
equivalent and see what happens to your symptoms. However, I suspect the hair on your chin
indicates a variation of Stein-Leventhal Syndrome (polycystic ovaries). Have you had an
ultrasound of the ovaries. Also, with the hair, I’d check to ensure that you don’t have
excessive testosterone.
Hypopituitarism – Cortisone and
Thyroxine
Question: I have a hypopituitarism disease which required me to consume the above
mentioned medicine. What is the effect if I discontinue the above medicines for a period
of time? I am asking this because it is a problem to purchase Cortisone in my country. The
supplier somehow discontinued the medicine.
Answer: Hypopituitarism is a rare but serious condition where the pituitary
gland does not function adequately. Since the pituitary gland is the primary source for
many of the body’s major hormones and chemicals, this condition has a wide and varied list
of symptoms, and complications. You stated that you are taking both Thyroxine and
cortisone. Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone supplement, used to replace the deficient amount
of thyroid hormone your thyroid gland is not making (the gland is not making enough
hormone because one of the jobs of the pituitary gland is to tell the thyroid to make
thyroid hormone). Likewise, the cortisone is to replace the inadequate amount of
glucocorticoids in your system, because the pituitary gland in not telling the adrenal
glands to make enough of this chemical. Unfortunately, should you stop taking either of
these hormones, the effects could be severe, if not life threatening. Thyroid hormone is
important in maintaining body temperature, energy level, mental function, as well as the
ability to respond to stress, be it emotional, physical, or due to illness.
Corticosteroids, or glucocorticoids, are also important in the body’s defense against
stress, illness, infection, as well as basic functions. The heart, kidneys, blood
pressure, body temperature, clarity of thought, energy level, and most of the bodily
functions you can think of would all be adversely affected in the absence of these
hormones. It is important that you and you health care provider work out a way for you to
get these medications. There are many brand names, and companies that make these products.
If one particular brand name is no longer available, see if you can get another. Should
there be any lapse in your medications, keep in close contact with your provider to assure
no serious consequences are occurring.
Hypopituitarism
Question: I am hypopituitaric following pituitary adenoma surgery. Recently learned
about Humatrope hGH. My insurance company will not pay for injectibles. Any other
information on issue would be helpful.
Answer: Human growth hormone is not usually administered to panhypopit patients.
However, that may be changing after studies done in growth deficient elderly patients
showing gain in muscle strength, mass, and sense of well being. Pituitary surgery does not
necessarily mean you are deficient. First, check your blood levels. Injectable is
currently the only administration route, but I suspect dermal delivery will be available
depending on reimbursement.
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