Interesting link on mtbi and hormones
 

This sounds interesting and backs up other accounts I've read.

http://www.lef.org/magazine/2012/1/U...juries/Page-01

what kind of test do you ask the doctor for? I would like to get it done.

also, is the test covered by health insurance, does anyone know. I think it would be worth it even if it weren't.

From the article: tests use a spectrum that goes way beyond typical blood tests, providing a bigger database.

Sounds to me like its a proprietary test and that very few doctors know of it.

I don't think the local doc will be up to speed on it, I reckon you'd have to see a endocrinologist with experience in treating head injury patients.

Hormone panels can cost $400 to $600. The specialists who understand this stuff often are not covered by insurance. A GP can order the blood work under insurance and then the results can be sent to the 'out of network' hormone specialist. Expect a $300 or more bill from the hormone specialist plus follow up blood testing and visits. It can get expensive but the results can be worth it.

Has anyone come across hormone increases from TBI? Most of the stuff I've read (including this story) is about hormone deficiencies. I had a hormone panel done and my cortisol came back VERY high, and I'm wondering if it could be linked to my TBI.

Thanks!

i guess the tough part is how do you know the endo you make an appointment with won't just brush you off and not order those tests or not know about them? I don't know if my question makes sense.

I guess i''m wondering how to find the right endo. ask over the phone about experience with brain injury?

There are many things that contribute to high cortisol levels. Low estrogen, lack of sleep, high stress, both emotional and physical, viral infections, caffeine,

What did your doctor say ?

Was your hormone panel directed at female issues or looking for TBI issues ?

I asked for the panel after hearing about endo problems with TBI here and doing some research on my own. My doctor pretty much dismissed the results. I even got it retested and got another high result. Both times I've felt non-stressed, well-rested.

I started taking some herbs to balance cortisol (e.g. rhodiola rosea) and I've noticed a slight increase. My biggest issue is light sensitivity and the rhodiola helps with that.

I've been diagnosed with hypopituitarism caused by concussion. I take hormones every day that are prescribed by an endocrinologist. My HMO covers them but I did have to pay out of pocket to see the specialist who ordered the testing as the 4 endos I saw who were in my HMO Group were too ignorant to believe that this could have been what my problem was so they wouldn't even order the proper testing for me.

Please see the links I have posted in the stickies at the top of the forum in regards to hormone deficiencies caused by concussion.

Life Extension and some, if not most, "anti-aging" Dr.'s seem to be somewhat educated about this kind, but they are considered to be quacks, for the most part, by the medical community. I do not recommend going to an anti-aging Dr. for this kind of treatment because you want to be taken seriously as a patient by other medical professionals. In addition, some hormones are considered to be somewhat controversial so their distribution is controlled by the manufacturers - and therefore can not be prescribed by "anti-aging" Dr.'s - they can only be prescribed by board certified endocrinologists so having a history of seeing a "quack" can be highly problematic down the road... also HMO's typically don't cover treatment ordered by "anti-aging" Dr.'s.

Kate89 - if your cortisol was above the normal range then your Dr. should be concerned, if s/he's not then you should seek a second opinion. If it is high within the normal range, you're probably ok, but do try to reduce your stress levels since stress can raise one's cortisol levels. (Cortisol is known as the "stress hormone".)

Hrt
 

My Insurance payed for a DO doctor that first thing he said to me after tons of questions is "you need hormones"!
He did not test me, but he is testing my little sister and insurance is paying for her test (she is teen, no TBI).

My family has to pay $60 for my Troche 200mg progesterone I take day 12-26 of cycle.

But now that I hit day 6 of first cycle of hrt I am having bad effects! I will go see DO dr end of week and I think I'll need a hormone test done. To make sure, and if this is the sure hrt I need I researched that when experience these symptoms it is all because of balance, dominating hormones etc.

Sounds like it might be something that has to go on till things get leveled. I felt GREAT first 2 day's and now day 6 I had to stop hrt till I see DO.
Anybody else experience hell when starting the HRT?