What causes the pituitary gland to stop working?

I am constantly tired, night sweats, headaches, blurred vision. I had blood work done by my Dr, which showed numerous low hormone levels. Was sent for MRI of head. Those results came back normal today.

I presume that the Doctor who did your blood tests is a “General Practitioner” and that he arranged for your MRI scan. It is quite possible that he has already referred your test results and symptoms to a specialist Endocrinologist, but I certainly think it is worth asking about such a referral in case he has not yet done so.

Yes, I do have an appointment with an Endocrinologist, but not until Feb.1,2011. Was wondering what to do about the worst symptons–headache, blurred vision, ect til then.

I would have expected blurred vision and headaches to be possible symptoms of a pituitary tumor which would also be a possible cause of low hormone levels. However your MRI scan has not detected a tumor, so it remains to be seen what is causing the low hormone levels. At your age (mid-50’s) deteriorating “blurred” vision is very common anyway and certainly is not necessarily linked to the low hormone levels. Likewise with the headaches which are also common and may again be coincidental.

It is of course possible that the headaches are being triggered by you worrying about the other symptoms and tests, and that being aware of the link between pituitary gland tumors and blurred vision is drawing even more of your attention towards it.

I suggest you arrange for an eye test with an optician, to determine if the blurring of vision departs from that expected as being normal for people of your age.

Unless your Doctor has already prescribed other medications, I suggest you use Paracetamol tablets (in accordance with the dosage instructions), to minimize your headaches, and get your Doctor’s approval to continue doing so, if necessary, until your appointment with the Endocrinologist.

– Best wishes - Majikthise.