Hormones and vertigo

Questions questions : I have recently been diagnosed with what looks to be a pituitary tumor. I recently have en countered withwhat I consider chronic vertigo. Some days are better then others. Went to my family physician who described antivert and valium which has done nothing to alleviate symptoms. Chose to do an MRI and found the tumor. I will be visiting an endocrinologists middle of Decmeber. I had a total hystercetomy including ovaries in March 09. I am on the estradiol patch 0.5 mg. Everything seemed to be going well until about 7 weeks ago. More hot flashes then I would have liked but bearable. And some insominia, but not completely everyday like occurences. I have some read past posting suggesting their may be a link between vertigo and hormones. And I will be curious to see what the endocrinologist has to say. Could use a little more info. Thanks for responding .

A few years after my hysterectomy, I had episodes of awful vertigo that came and went. I had sinus issues too so thought the two were related. At one point it got so bad I had trouble standing up straight. Would get up at night to use restroom and topple over. Not fun. Went to ENT dr who sent me for vestibular physical therapy. It helped a bit. However, I never realized at the time that my ovaries quit working and estrogen plummeted to post-menopausal levels. I am SURE the low estrogen had a big impact. Hindsight is 20/20. Now that I have no ovaries (or uterus), and am on HRT, the vertigo is gone. I do understand why elderly women (not on HRT) have more issues with balance and vertigo leading to falls though, am sure it's related to low hormone levels.

It's interesting your vertigo got worse around the time that your hot flashes got bad too. I will be curious to hear what your endocrinologist says too. Please keep us informed.

What do they think the tumor is pressing on? And do they remove it or shrink it with meds?

Hi (((dtrc))) Well, the endocrine system is all interconnected, so a disturbance in one part can affect all the others. Have you been to an ENT to have your adenoids checked?

The reason I ask is that, before my hysterectomy and while I was perimenopausal, I had several months of vertigo and headaches. Antivert did nothing to help. I was referred to a neurologist, who did an MRI and found a "mass", unclear what it was. From there, I was referred to an ENT, who went in with a camera and found that my adenoids had overgrown so badly that they were pinching my eustachean tubes and affecting my balance, as well as putting pressure on the nerve there and causing headaches in the back of my head. I had an adenoidectomy and everything resolved.

I hope this helps... and that you get some answers soon.

s,
-Linda

Thanks for the help. I know that I must visit withthe endocrinologist for sure just because of the tumor on the pituitary. My guess is if the vertigo is not resolved then an ENT will be part of the plan also. I believe however that my adendois were removed as a child will have to double check that though. Thanks for the advice. Appt is not till Dec 19th Uggggh. But learning how to compensate with this problem,, Fortunate that I do not have lots of Nausea and vomiting with it. Just spinning like a wheel. Thanks dtrc

I think I was given a prescription medication. Can't remember the name but it did make me drowsy. Will try to look for it.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by dtrc I believe however that my adendois were removed as a child will have to double check that though.

Did you know that adenoids, tonsils and even ovaries - any glandular tissue - can grow back? I didn't, until the ENT told me.

s,
-Linda

	Quote:
Originally Posted by surferbabe Did you know that adenoids, tonsils and even ovaries - any glandular tissue - can grow back? I didn't, until the ENT told me. s, -Linda

I hope not tonsils. That was a very unpleasant surgery and recovery earlier this year. Would never care to repeat it.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by dtrc Questions questions : I have recently been diagnosed with what looks to be a pituitary tumor. I recently have en countered withwhat I consider chronic vertigo. Some days are better then others. Went to my family physician who described antivert and valium which has done nothing to alleviate symptoms. Chose to do an MRI and found the tumor. I will be visiting an endocrinologists middle of Decmeber. I had a total hystercetomy including ovaries in March 09. I am on the estradiol patch 0.5 mg. Everything seemed to be going well until about 7 weeks ago. More hot flashes then I would have liked but bearable. And some insominia, but not completely everyday like occurences. I have some read past posting suggesting their may be a link between vertigo and hormones. And I will be curious to see what the endocrinologist has to say. Could use a little more info. Thanks for responding .

I was on 1mg of Estrace and had to stop taking it as it gave me severe dizziness, feeling faint and heart palps. I know you say you are on a patch but both meds are estradiol and dizziness can be a side effect of the medication.