Hormone replacement therapy to combat TBI?

Depending on the symptoms, in our practice we do sometimes screen for hormonal deficiencies, and work closely with our Endocrinologists if any abnormalities are found. TBI can increase the risk for pituitary (a gland at the base of the brain that produces hormones) dysfunction and we think the risk is likely higher with increased TBI severity. So far, there doesn’t seem to be much evidence that everyone who experiences a TBI needs to be screened for hormonal problems, we let symptoms guide decision making, and test and treat as needed for this less common situation.

More common after TBI are balance, word finding, and mood changes.

As we get older our health issues become more complex and treatment more difficult. Are you near a teaching hospital where your mix can be evaluated, more so than unconnected doctors? Have you seen an ophthalmologist regarding the vision changes; dry eye, pressure, or macular issues can be treated and those should be addressed to avoid damage. If dry eye is a factor, then preservative-free eye drops help and gel drops before bed (been there, done that). My moderate TBI was 32 years ago and I still have word-finding problems, but now have a normal EEG, so doctors don't always see the fine print. It would be good to keep a journal of all your symptoms, including taking BP measurements. I hope your endocrinologist visit bears fruit and that you are able to get answers to your health problems, but it is a frustratingly slow process.

Slowrunner here. Oof, you are a fighter! I am a wimp in comparison. That said, the strength you exhibet is to be admired. I marked the 12th on my calender to remind myself to think of you. You might want to take a printed version of your email with you. That is what I do; I can write ok but I have difficulty expressing myself orally.

My TBI happened during a car accident where I was shaken and whipped around. I was on blood thinners and it caused a brain bleed that is now, ten years later, a small spot of encephalopathy. The accident broke my neck, six ribs, punctured a lung, gave me stress fractures down my spine and my right ankle. I was in a neck brace and a turtle shell ( a vest type thing to keep ribs stable as they healed) for three months. I still have an exaggerated stress response where my arms fly up and my hands shake or I scream at unexpected loud noises or we have a near miss in the car which causes the above.
At ten years out I still have issues related to accident. My neck did not heal together properly so I am in PT for that and for my lower back which is painful much of the time. When I go for a walk it feels like I have a bobble head, I lurch to the right sometimes and it feels like everything that has healed has healed up crooked.
Being in a large group where many people are talking at once is hard for my brain to tolerate, as in overloaded. Too much noise especially from gas powered motors drives me nuts. Very bright days and bright lights often give me an aura followed by a migraine. I wear dark glasses in the house often because we have big windows facing a lake which is very bright.
I must sleep on my back as I cannot turn around because of my neck and back.
I have trouble with word retrieval often and my speech cannot keep up with my mind.
But enough of aftereffects. What do I do about these things? In a crowd I take frequent breaks and find a quiet spot for a bit and do deep breathing. I meditate to quiet music. I play the piano, flute and sing in a great group of older people . I read and exercise every day on a stationary bike and go for my 15 walk. I allow myself little junk food and try to eat healthy as I can. I do have a glass or two of wine at dinner but at no other time unless special occasions or Holidays. In summary, choose to do suggested things to help yourself, do soulful, mindful things, exercise if you are able, keep in touch, understand your condition, be gentle with yourself and do not put too many shoulds on yourself. And now I am too tired to go on……another issue. Fatigue , mental and otherwise. Good luck.