when to go to a endocrinologist - Hormone Problems Message Board

denise4561 · 06-09-2008, 12:11 PM

my daughter is 18. she seems to have dark ring on the back of her neck that looks like dirt,more hair than I think she should under her chin,her periods come about 4 times a year and she has trouble losing weight she is heavy about 45 lbs over. she is a dancer who dances about 8 hours a week. I took her to a gyno and he ran blood tests and said everything was fine. but could these things be a hormonal? we have even started a weight loss program and she has lost 20 pounds since feb. but the weight is coming back on. I know she is not cheating. she wants this so bad.So I am just wondering if there could be something more

rumpled · 06-10-2008, 06:59 AM

Yes, your daughter has very obvious hormonal problems...
The darkening can be from several things... from blood sugar or from ACTH.
If the weight gain is more around the waist while her arms and legs are staying graceful... it points to ACTH. That test of often messed up in the lab, if it was even done. It is best done in a chilled, lavendar tube, at 8am, fasting (12 hours), spun immediately, frozen promptly.

The problem is that a gyne (or even endo) will test a few hormones when a comprehensive set needs to be taken as they all feed into each other. As her mother, you need to be aggressive (firm) with the docs, stand up for her, let them know the situation (I cannot tell you how many times I was called a liar!!!) and get testing. A pcp can order it as well but may not be able to interpret it but that would get you to an endo. If you get abnormal results there, then you can find a neuro-endo who may not take you unless there is reason for right not it looks like diabetes which can be handled by any endo.

Do get her to an endo - but try to get really good and comprehensive testing - thyroid, pit, adrenal, male/female. They will balk (will.. no idea...) but believe me, it is a good idea.