"As an extension of the effect of chronic Lyme Disease on the central nervous system, there often is a deleterious effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Varying degrees of pituitary insufficiency are being seen in these patients, the correction of which has resulted in restoration of energy, stamina and libido, and resolution of persistent hypotension. Unfortunately, not all specialists recognize pituitary insufficiency, partly because of the difficulty in making the laboratory diagnosis. However, the potential benefits of diagnosing and treating this justify the effort needed for full evaluation. Interestingly, in a significant number of these patients, successful treatment of the infections can result in a reversal of the hormonal dysfunction, and hormone replacement therapies can be tapered off!"
Does anyone know how he treats these insufficiencies? Are there hormones that he uses to help the pituitary and hypothalmus specificaly?
Would this be along the lines of Anti Diuretic Hormone and Human Growth hormone replacement, or more like thyroid and testosterone augmentation?
-------------------- You're only a failure when you stop trying. Posts: 945 | From U.S | Registered: Oct 2004
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David95928
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3521
posted
My guess is hCG, at least for males. David
-------------------- Dave Posts: 2034 | From CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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HCG is used for pregnancy testing. How would it be used for pituitary insufficiency in males?
-------------------- You're only a failure when you stop trying. Posts: 945 | From U.S | Registered: Oct 2004
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David95928
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3521
posted
My understanding is that hCG serves as a messenger from the pituitary to the testes to produce testosterone. In my case, I can make plenty of testosterone with hCG but not enough without. My doctor hoped I could be weaned off of hCG and I would have a normal testosterone level, but that is not the case. I'm driving down to San Francisco tomorrow to discuss options.
-------------------- Dave Posts: 2034 | From CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
Hi Micul,
Good question!
I don't know what Dr. B has in mind. I know for me, ADH is too low for my level of blood osmolality. Also, my MSH is almost nonexistent. This is a master hormone, produced in the hypothalamus, controlling many of the other hormones and having impacts on many functions, including sleep, immune function, gut, pain levels, weight, etc.
Unfortunately, this is not available to be supplemented, so it has to be worked with in other ways. Sometimes it works, but if there is enough hypothalamamic damage, it doesn't recover. Not good.
Look up alpha MSH or Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone on Pubmed to see some of what it does.
The TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is also produced by the pituitary, and can be dysregulated, which is why you can show normal levels and still need thyroid supplementation.
If you find out any more of what Dr. B means, I'd love to know.
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