Sheehan's Syndrome Lab Tests

Sheehan’s Syndrome Lab Tests

 Sheehan’s Syndrome Lab Tests

What Is Sheehan's Syndrome?

 

 

Sheehan’s Syndrome Lab Tests

Sheehan’s Syndrome (Hypopituitarism) lab tests can be extremely frustrating and expensive.

If you suspect that you have an Endocrine issue then a complete lab workup would be beneficial.

A complete lab workup will help your doctor with your diagnosis. 

I find that many doctors will not run any more lab tests than standard medical labs, ie. CBC panel.

If you suspect you may have Sheehan’s Syndrome than here are additional lab tests you want to ask your doctor to request:

  • Cortisol Levels (drawn first thing in the morning)
  • ACTH (drawn first thing in the morning)
  • TSH ( thyroid)
  • Free T4 (thyroid)
  • Free T3 (thyroid)
  • LH
  • FSH
  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • Testosterone
  • Hemoglobin A1C
  • IGF-1 (insulin growth factor/growth hormone)

I find medicine can be subjective and extremely expensive.

Sheehan’s Syndrome Lab Tests Results

Even with extensive lab tests, your lab tests results can be normal, you may be very ill and you may have Sheehan’s Syndrome.

Almost all Endocrinologists and medical information state that the IGF-1 (Growth Hormone ) is the first pituitary gland hormone to fail in Sheehan’s Syndrome. 

However, my lab test results for my  IGF-1 was always within standard medical labs and my Growth Hormone was one of my last hormones to fail.

In order to make a positive diagnosis, an ACTH Stimulation Test should be given.

An ACTH Stimulation test measures cortisol output.

An Arginine Stimulation Test should be given to test your Growth Hormone, IGF-1. 

An MRI of the pituitary should be done to see if the pituitary gland has an Empty Sella.

Some people prefer to have their ACTH and IGF-1 tested with an ITT Stimulation Test. 

However, the ITT Stimulation Test has more risk involved.

On a personal note, my CBC lab tests for Sheehan’s Syndrome were all within normal range.

I did fail both the stimulation test for ACTH and Growth Hormone.


 

You need to keep copies of all of your medical records.

If you are trying to interpret lab results than lab test online is an awesome resource tool.

Please make sure to ask for copies of all your lab test results. 

You are entitled to a copy of your lab test results. 

You may also find HypoGal Disease List helpful.

Click on the following Sheehan’s Syndrome Overview weblink to find out information about:

  • Sheehan’s Syndrome Symptoms
  • What Causes Sheehan’s Syndrome
  • What Hormones Are Affected By Sheehan’s Syndrome
  • What Doctor Named Sheehan’s Syndrome. 

I hope you have found Sheehan’s Syndrome Lab Tests useful.  

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