EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL AND RELATIONSHIP SYMPTOMS SEEN
IN PITUITARY AND HORMONAL DISORDERS

• Sexual difficulties (low sex drive, impotence)
• Depression and/or intense/dramatic changes in mood (unpredictable, different than before)
• Apathy ( not caring about anything, loss of drive, “flat”, “no feelings”)
• Rapid weight gain (abdominal obesity especially) and negative body image obsession
• Isolation from family/friends/co-workers
• Anxiety
• Rapid weight loss
• Fatigue
• Menstrual irregularities including: not having a period, a change in “normal” cycle, missed periods while not pregnant
• Sleep disturbances
• Anger outbursts, irritability not always present
• Cognitive changes are possible
• Physical/body changes: enlarged facial/body features, carpel tunnel syndrome,

WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY OWN EMOTIONAL AND RELATIONSHIP HEALTH?

• Keep a journal of your medical history and bring it with you to all doctor appointments
• Keep a journal of your emotional thoughts and feelings and find a therapist who understands chronic illness and/or is willing to learn about the role of the endocrine system on mental health.
• Be persistent in pursuing medical professionals, persistently ask for medical tests, seek the services of those who specialize in pituitary disorders (endocrinologists, pituitary neurosurgeons etc.)
• Listen/be tuned-into your thoughts and find ways to counteract negative (unrealistic and untrue) thoughts
• Remember that you have a right to feel angry, depressed, sad, frustrated, irritated, worried, confused and much, much more.
• Request and keep copies of all your medical reports and lab work –ups, and make sure your doctor explains what everything means
• Remember that having a pituitary or hormonal disorder is not an excuse for behavior that hurts or frightens those around you.  You must be accountable for your actions and accept consequences even for physical and emotional feelings that are out of control inside your body.
• Come to medical appointments prepared with lists of questions, a copy/summary of your medical history
• Take someone with you to major medical appointments to act as your assistant to help write-down what doctors say to you, remind you to ask your questions
• Keep a notebook with you at all times to write thoughts and  new symptoms down (date, time of day they occur)

WHERE CAN I TURN TO FOR HELP?
www.pituitary.com  The Pituitary Network Association (PNA) has a list of medical and mental health professionals, monthly columns by patients and professionals, research information and much more.