I finally had my appointment with an endocrynologist today and he wants me to have an MRI to check out my pituitary gland see why my horomone levels are all out of whack. This really scares me! Has anyone ever had to have an MRI, if so- was it an easy test? If they find a growth on my pituitary, then I will have to take medicine to get rid of it. He also said that I have to have more bloodwork done (which I HATE) to see if it is pcos. He says I may even have both.

I am also conflicted b/c I am not seeing a RE or a fertility clinic- I am going through my medical group, because so far everthing has been $10 copay, except for the HSG which I paid $250 for. I feel that I may not be getting 100% fertility treatment, b/c these docs treat all sorts of patients, not just intertility patients.

I guess i'm just confused and scared, it's not like there's a protocol for this kinda thing. Anyone have any advice or been through this?

As always- thanks for listening.

Falk, I'm so sorry that you're scared and confused. This IF journey sucks! :mad: I don't really know much about your specific situation, but I can assure you an MRI is painless. I had one about 1 1/2 years ago, and I almost fell asleep during the test. ;) I am sure you will be just fine.

As for whether or not you are getting the proper care...if you don't feel comfortable with the way things are going, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion. I hope you get some answers soon.

Best of luck to you.

Holly

Hi Falk,

I am so sorry for all the loop whole they are making you go through. I'm also not familiar with your specific situtation and wonder if you had some b/w that revealed something that prompted you MD to do these additional tests or this is his standard protocol. I alway think it is best to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist...I was not sure by your e-mail...are you seeing one??? If you don't have a good feeling I would go with my gut and get a 2nd opinion, just like Holly said. It never hurts..well maybe your pocket, but there really I think spending a little more, if you can afford to get a 2nd opinion may be worth the piece of mind. Lot's of luck to you whatever you decide!!

Kathy

Hi Falk,

I had an MRI in early '05 b/c I also was not having a period and a regular endocrinologist suspected a pituitary problem. The MRI was painless. If you are claustrophobic at all it could freak you out a little bit as the part of the machine they put over your head is confining- but if you are not -it should be just fine.

As it turns out, I do have a pituitary dysfunction - not a growth. I'm oversimplifying here, but basically my pituitary does not send the right "signals" to my reproductive organs so that hormones are produced at appropriate levels to ovulate, menstruate, etc. It even caused my uterus to be hypoplastic (very small).

My general endocrinological condition was treated by a regular endo. When my hormones were being produced at the right levels and I started menstuating regularly, I saw a reporductive endo who helped me with my resulting fertility issues. I took injectibles to stimulate my ovaries and on my first cycle got pregnant with twins. They are now 8 mos. old and healthy.

Hang in there and I wish you the best of luck!

Michelle

Wow- Thank you for all of your responses! Michelle, that makes me feel so much better that you have gone through this with such great end results. Thanks for sticking around these boards and posting your success- it really helps us out and gives us hope. And hope is something we all need!

I went ahead and scheduled the MRI for Thursday. The endo doc said that my pituitary gland is probably causing my reproductive system to not work properly, b/c of a growth (but it could be b/c of a dysfunction). I have decided to give the endo doc a couple months and if I'm not happy with the results, I will seek out a fertility clinic. I may even seek out a RE after my periods regulate.

I don't feel so scared and confused today!:) Thanks everyone!