Preparing for an appointment

If your primary care provider suspects Sheehan's syndrome, you'll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders (endocrinologist).

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment:

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to each other, and when they began
• Key personal information, including recent surgical procedures and other major stresses, and your family medical history
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Bring medical records from previous pregnancies, especially those on labor and delivery. If possible, take a family member or friend to help you remember the information you're given.

For Sheehan's syndrome, basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Is Sheehan's syndrome temporary, or will I always have it?
• Will I be able to have another child?
• What treatments are available, and what do you recommend?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there dietary or activity restrictions I need to follow?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• Did you bleed heavily after your delivery?
• Did you have other complications during childbirth?
• Do you have symptoms all the time, or do they come and go?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?