Hypopituitarism Q&A - Jun 21
See below for highlights from our #PitHour about hypopituitarism on 16th June 2021. All tweets can be found by searching #PitHour on Twitter.
#PitHour
— Jennifer Butler (@jbabz99) June 16, 2021
Are there long term effects from taking Thyroxin ?
If thyroid levels kept in the right range shouldn’t be effects. It can be tricky to judge exactly as TSH may not regulate in usual way. I aim for T4 roughly mid normal range #pithour
— Helen Simpson (@hormone_doc) June 16, 2021
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What are the biggest challenges/issues facing patients with #hypopituitarism? #PitHour
— The Pituitary Foundation (@Pituitary_org) June 16, 2021
The hormone replacements are a hassle, hc 3 times a day is not enough! The real issue is that most medics don't believe that you need the steroids etc and half of them believe you can be cured by just stopping.
— Tim Murphy (@TimMurp62596675) June 16, 2021
#PitHour if you have been assessed and it’s shown that you require HC as replacement; you could try dividing the doses up further. Important biggest dose required first thing in morning as ideally on empty stomach. Consider absorption problems if don’t feel adequately replaced https://t.co/PO4lXISbef
— Lisa shepherd (@lisashepherdcl1) June 16, 2021
Balancing your hormone intake artificially as it is what your body should do naturally #sarcoidosis #panhypopituritarism - Diagnosed 1997 - been that long what’s normal???
— Dr Pam Hanway (@pamhanway) June 16, 2021
#hypopituitarism Drug shortages/delays then trying to re-establish physiological levels of HC, T3/T4, HRT when they are often at odds. Endos need to better help patients w multiple pituitary defic’s
— Jill Froning DVM (@jillfroning) June 16, 2021
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What is the recommended treatment for a female with #hypopituitarism to regulate hormones? Is it the same as we age? #pithour
— lil a777 (@lil_a777) June 16, 2021
If no periods then can either have cyclical HRT or contraceptive pill. If having periods then may not need anything additional. #pithour
— Helen Simpson (@hormone_doc) June 16, 2021
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Is it common for microadenomas to flare up intermittently? And for symptoms to be present whether or not the tumor is still detected with MRI? #hypopituitarism #pithour
— lil a777 (@lil_a777) June 16, 2021
Not usually but depending on hormone replacement symptoms can vary depending on activity and other things. Hypo pit symptoms generally related to hormone levels rather than micro adenoma itself #pithour
— Helen Simpson (@hormone_doc) June 16, 2021
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Are pituitary microadenomas linked to anxiety and depression? What is the most helpful treatment for someone with #hypopituitarism? Thank you! #pithour
— lil a777 (@lil_a777) June 16, 2021
#PitHour If microadenomas are non-functioning, they should not cause anxiety and depression. If they are functioning and cause e.g. Cushing's (i.e. cortisol excess) they could have an impact on the patient's psychological status.
— Niki Karavitaki (@Karavitaki_Niki) June 16, 2021
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How does #hypopituitarism affect mental health? #PitHour
— The Pituitary Foundation (@Pituitary_org) June 16, 2021
Our psychological impact booklet is a great resource for helping to recognise how your condition may affect your mental health https://t.co/uA2mkptGs6 #PitHour pic.twitter.com/k308eIAuEg
— The Pituitary Foundation (@Pituitary_org) June 16, 2021
#PitHour any diagnosis can affect your mental health. Some people have better coping strategies regardless of severity. Don’t be afraid to seek support https://t.co/8E2qzVWyFj
— Lisa shepherd (@lisashepherdcl1) June 16, 2021
So true. Just having to change and take tablets daily, worrries about adrenal insuffiejcy and impacts for fertility etc can have an impact. Seek support and don’t be afraid to speak up about worries in appts. Talking therapies and peer support from @Pituitary_org. #pithour
— Helen Simpson (@hormone_doc) June 16, 2021
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Are there any long term effects from taking hydrocortisone? #PitHour
— Nushrat (@nush_ARt) June 16, 2021
If on replacement doses minimal impact. Risks are of both under replacement ie risk of adrenal crisis if unwell. If over replaced then bones diabetes BP weight can be affected but prob not an issue unless significantly overreplaced . . #pithour
— Helen Simpson (@hormone_doc) June 16, 2021
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What is the current progress on replacing the emergency kit, for adrenal crisis, with an epi pen equivalent? #PitHour
— Nushrat (@nush_ARt) June 16, 2021
Sadly I think the main barrier to this has been cost. You’d think it would be easy to repurpose the epi pen device but everything has to be carefully tested etc. Expensive process! Exciting to hear @AddisonsUK and @hormone_doc are working on this! #pithour
— Dr Dr Anna Mitchell (@Anna_L_Mitchell) June 16, 2021
I recommend people get familiar with the kit we have now and IF and when something better/easier comes along it will be a bonus #PitHour
— Dr Dr Anna Mitchell (@Anna_L_Mitchell) June 16, 2021
Research and in development @AddisonsUK supporting one project on this. Watch this space ….#pithour
— Helen Simpson (@hormone_doc) June 16, 2021
Good news all, the ADSHG is delighted to have provided $13,000 of funding into developing an Epi-pen like device, with @SOLUtionMedLLC & Prof Ross (Sheffield) to make the device available in the UK. We look forward to providing more research updates! https://t.co/LeWcBrMuVT
— Addison's Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG) (@AddisonsUK) June 17, 2021
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