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Bottom line, the only way to know is to see an endocrinologist and have him run some tests. The good news is that these doctors may really be able to help you.
The good news is that this condition is treatable. If you have a pituitary tumor causing the hypogonadism...the most common treatment is to replace the missing hormones. Pituitary tumors are most often bengin and slow growing. As they grow, they can cause pituitary deficiencies, because as the tumor grows, it may press on the gland and interrupt the hormone production. Some of these benign tumors secrete hormones themselves. Some can be treated medically. There are those that secrete too much growth hormone, or too much acth (which causes elevated cortisol), are these tumors are primarily handled surgically - with good outcomes. The tumors by themselves are called microadenomas if they are less than 1cm, and macroadenomas if they are over 1 cm. They can cause headaches when large, and they can also disrupt the hormone flow, which that in itself can cause headaches. Surgery is most often reserved for those hormone secreting tumors that I mentioned previously, and for tumors that are large, and are pressing on critical brain structures, or those that are growing, and could cause problems if not removed before they get too big. So... you could try to self diagnose yourself and get yourself in a bad place with the "could be" - but, quite frankly, you don't know. It may be something very simple and very treatable. My hubby is awnry. When I was going through some pretty tough times with my illness, my hubby would say... "You want to know what? I don't feel a thing". He isn't the most compassionate fella out there, but it drove home that I am the one responsible here. Don't make excuses on why you won't seek medical care about these issues. Your family members can't feel how you feel, and quite frankly, they can't relate. You are the one in control here, and you must make the best decisions for YOU. If seeing a doctor and getting a few tests done and finding out what is wrong could improve your quality of life... then... What's the question? In your mind... you want answers. This is about YOU. Take care... Minnie | 