dee
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Posts: 30
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Post by dee on Apr 9, 2009 18:51:52 GMT -5
Hi,
I've looked in the forum, but I can't find a list of what tests we should get. I've already had thyroid panel, ACTH, am cortisol, some sex hormones tested; what else should be done? I have hypopituitary (at least I'm pretty sure).
Thank you, Dee
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Post by fractal1 on Apr 10, 2009 2:57:23 GMT -5
Hi Dee, The following is a thorough hormone panel, including other parameters that can indicate a problem or is required to allow optimal replacement. SexLH FSH Total testosterone Free or Bioavailable testosterone Estradiol Progesterone Prolactin SHBG AdrenalACTH cortisol DHEAS Aldosterone (drawn sitting upright) Renin (" ") ThyroidTSH free T3 free T4 Thyroid Antibodies B12, iron, ferritin Lipid Profile GHIGF-1 IGF-BP3 Insulin CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), which includes: - glucose - calcium - albumin - total protein - electrolytes (sodium, potassium etc.) - BUN (blood urea nitrogen) - creatinine - ALP (alkaline phosphatase) - ALT (alanine amino transferase, also called SGPT) - AST (aspartate amino transferase, also called SGOT) - Bilirubin - Zinc These need to be drawn fasting and at 8am on day 3 of your cycle. For aldosterone/renin you need to fast salt 24h and be up-and-about for at least 2 hours prior to the test. You cannot be taking progesterone. It is also good to get your bloods drawn from the same lab every time. Cheers
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dee
New Member
Posts: 30
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Post by dee on Apr 10, 2009 5:10:00 GMT -5
Thank you, Ruth. You're an *angel*!
I'll print this out and bring it to my doctor - I really don't think he knows what tests I need, he admitted he's not up on this topic (but I don't hold it against him since he isn't a specialist in any one area). Hopefully the specialist I see will be more knowledgeable. Fingers crossed.
Thanks again! Dee
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dee
New Member
Posts: 30
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Post by dee on Apr 15, 2009 17:12:46 GMT -5
Just wondering if adrenal antibodies should be checked as well? If so, what is the name of the test?
Thanks again, Dee
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Post by fractal1 on Apr 16, 2009 1:38:52 GMT -5
I wouldn't bother since you have low ACTH (pituitary failure) rather than high ACTH (adrenal failure). It might be worth testing after you have comprehensive panel conducted if potassium and renin is high, and aldosterone is low.
Adrenal antibodies:
- ACAs - 21-OHAbs
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dee
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Posts: 30
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Post by dee on Apr 16, 2009 6:25:51 GMT -5
I see what you mean. Thanks Ruth - as always, much appreciated. Dee
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dee
New Member
Posts: 30
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Post by dee on Apr 21, 2009 14:14:56 GMT -5
Well, I went to the doctor this morning, with a copy of the above tests in hand; and my doctor won't do them. He told me that the lab will phone him and ask him why he wants these tests done (because they are unusual and expensive). I told him I want them done because I have secondary adrenal insufficiency (d**m it) (ok, I didn't really say that last part); and he said I don't have any signs of my kidneys failing, etc., etc., and that I'm basically still alive, and he sees no emergency type of deal happening. So, he told me to bring the test requests to the specialist in June, and if the specialist thinks I need them, he'll request them. He also was surprised I wanted growth hormone tested, since according to him, "I've stopped growing". Okie dokie. I find it hard to believe he doesn't seem to know that we still need growth hormone no matter what age we are. Anyway, I guess I'll be waiting until June. I have to say, I do understand if my primary doctor doesn't have copious amounts of knowledge on this, how he doesn't want to order the tests himself, but instead let the specialist do it. But, I hope this new doctor knows what he's doing. My log: forums.realthyroidhelp.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=12139
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Dana
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Posts: 85
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Post by Dana on Apr 21, 2009 17:00:39 GMT -5
I'd never go back to him. He sounds like a complete idiot who only knows how to hand out antibiotics, antidepressants and skin creams. These primary care docs talk out of both sides of their mouths. First saying that nothing is wrong with you (so you shouldn't need the tests done), but then he looks like a total idiot when he says you don't need GH. Right...This guy should have just told you he couldn't order them for insurance reasons or whatnot, but once he started saying that you are still alive, he crossed a line. Apparently to get help from this guy you have to be in the grave? lol
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