Question 1

What is Pituitary Adenoma?

Accepted Answer

A pituitary adenoma is a benign tumor that grows in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. These tumors can overproduce hormones like ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which stimulates excessive cortisol production and causes Cushing's disease. The Cortisol, Total test is the most important test for detecting hormone overproduction from pituitary adenomas.

Question 2

What causes pituitary adenoma?

Accepted Answer

Pituitary adenomas are caused by abnormal cell growth in the pituitary gland, though the exact trigger remains unclear. Most cases develop spontaneously without a clear genetic link, but some are associated with inherited conditions like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). These benign tumors can remain non-functioning or become functioning tumors that overproduce hormones like ACTH, prolactin, growth hormone, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, leading to various hormonal imbalances throughout the body.

Question 3

What is the best test for pituitary adenoma?

Accepted Answer

The Cortisol, Total test is the most important blood test for pituitary adenomas because it detects elevated cortisol levels caused by ACTH-secreting tumors. When pituitary adenomas overproduce ACTH, they stimulate the adrenal glands to release excess cortisol, resulting in Cushing's disease. This test helps determine whether your adenoma is functioning and causing hormonal dysfunction. Additional hormone tests may include prolactin, growth hormone, IGF-1, and thyroid function tests depending on which hormones your tumor affects, but cortisol testing is essential for detecting one of the most common and serious complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for pituitary adenoma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained weight gain (especially around your midsection and face), persistent high blood pressure, unusual fatigue or muscle weakness, mood changes or depression, or changes in your appearance like facial rounding or a buffalo hump on your upper back. Women should get tested if they have irregular periods or unexpected milk production, while men should test if they experience decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. Early detection through blood testing helps identify hormone imbalances before they cause serious complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of pituitary adenoma?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms depend on whether the tumor produces excess hormones and which hormones are affected. ACTH-producing tumors cause rapid weight gain, round face, purple stretch marks, easy bruising, and high blood pressure. Prolactin-secreting tumors cause irregular periods, breast milk production in women, and sexual dysfunction in men. Growth hormone-producing tumors lead to enlarged hands and feet, facial changes, and joint pain. Non-functioning tumors may cause headaches, vision problems, and fatigue as they grow and press on surrounding brain structures.

Question 6

Who is at risk for pituitary adenoma?

Accepted Answer

Pituitary adenomas can affect anyone, but they are most commonly diagnosed in adults between ages 30 and 60. People with inherited genetic conditions like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), Carney complex, or familial isolated pituitary adenoma have higher risk. Women are more likely to develop prolactin-secreting adenomas, while ACTH-producing tumors are more common in women of reproductive age. Most pituitary adenomas occur sporadically without identifiable risk factors, and having a family history of pituitary tumors slightly increases your risk.

Question 7

What happens if pituitary adenoma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated functioning pituitary adenomas can cause serious health complications from chronic hormone overproduction. Excess cortisol leads to diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, severe infections, and potentially life-threatening adrenal crisis. High prolactin levels cause infertility, bone loss, and sexual dysfunction. Excess growth hormone results in diabetes, heart disease, colon polyps, and arthritis. Even non-functioning tumors can grow large enough to cause permanent vision loss, severe headaches, and pituitary gland damage that affects multiple hormone systems. Early detection and treatment prevent these serious complications.

Question 8

Can pituitary adenoma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose the tumor itself, but they are essential for detecting the hormonal imbalances that pituitary adenomas cause. The Cortisol, Total test identifies excess cortisol from ACTH-producing tumors, while other hormone tests measure prolactin, growth hormone, IGF-1, and thyroid hormones. These blood tests help determine if your adenoma is functioning and which hormones are affected. Diagnosis requires both blood testing to assess hormone levels and brain imaging like MRI to visualize the tumor, but hormone testing guides treatment decisions and monitors your response to therapy.

Question 9

How is pituitary adenoma treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the tumor size, hormone production, and symptoms. Surgery through the nose (transsphenoidal surgery) is the primary treatment for most functioning adenomas and large tumors causing vision problems. Medications can control hormone production from prolactin-secreting tumors and sometimes work for growth hormone or ACTH-producing tumors. Radiation therapy treats tumors that cannot be surgically removed or continue growing after surgery. Some small, non-functioning adenomas only need monitoring with regular MRI scans and hormone testing. Your treatment plan is personalized based on your specific tumor type and how it affects your hormone levels.

Question 10

How can I prevent pituitary adenoma?

Accepted Answer

There is no known way to prevent pituitary adenomas because most develop spontaneously without identifiable causes. If you have a genetic condition like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1, regular screening with hormone blood tests and MRI imaging can detect tumors early when they are easier to treat. Maintaining overall health through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management supports your endocrine system but does not prevent tumor formation. The best approach is early detection through blood testing if you develop suspicious symptoms, allowing treatment before serious complications develop.

Question 11

What can I do at home for pituitary adenoma?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot treat the tumor itself, lifestyle changes help manage symptoms and support your treatment. Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbs to help control cortisol-related weight gain and blood sugar issues. Regular exercise maintains muscle strength and bone density, which can be affected by hormone imbalances. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing helps since stress elevates cortisol levels. Get adequate sleep and track your symptoms to share with your healthcare provider. Always take prescribed medications as directed and attend regular follow-up appointments for hormone monitoring and imaging to ensure your treatment is working.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Pituitary Adenoma Blood Test

What is Pituitary Adenoma?

What causes pituitary adenoma?

What is the best test for pituitary adenoma?

When should I get tested for pituitary adenoma?

References

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