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Doctors dismissed my symptoms as menopause. I was 34 and had a brain tumour
The Telegraph • • health
Key Points:
- A woman experienced severe symptoms including hair loss, memory problems, and missed periods, but her concerns were repeatedly dismissed by her GP as stress or menopause for nearly a year.
- After persistent advocacy and a referral to a gynaecologist, tests revealed a macroprolactinoma, a benign tumour on her pituitary gland, which was causing her symptoms.
- She underwent transsphenoidal surgery to remove most of the tumour, followed by multiple treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to tumour recurrence.
- The tumour and its treatment have severely impacted her quality of life, resulting in Addison’s disease and significant lifestyle changes, including leaving her corporate job to start a virtual assistant business.
- She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, urging patients to persist in seeking answers when symptoms are dismissed.
