How Prolactinoma changed the life of a Warwickshire Sports Woman - A personal journey to manage health & fitness
Mander Thiara
Since the age of seven, Catherine O'Carroll who lives in Warwickshire has been highly active in competitive sports. She was at 'National level', running from a very young age and went on to represent England in the home nations triathlon championships and Great Britain in her age group from 1999 through to 2003.
She is currently a sports massage therapist and Co-Founder of ‘Raceways’ a non-profit sports event organisation and ‘kidsrunfree’ a charity providing running events for kids to ignite the passion for exercise from a young age.
Catherine was diagnosed with Prolactinoma. Prolactinoma is a non-cancerous swelling in the pituitary gland, which makes too much of a hormone called Prolactin.
Pituitary disorders are considered rare. It is estimated that there are between 50,000 and 70,000 pituitary patients in the United Kingdom, which equates to 0.08% - 0.11% of the population. The most common problem with the pituitary gland occurs when a benign tumour (used to describe a ‘growth’) also called an adenoma, develops. Pituitary tumours are not 'brain tumours'. The term benign is used by doctors to describe a swelling which is not cancerous.' Source:- The Pituitary Foundation
A brain scan in 2012 revealed that the Prolactinoma tumor was the size of a small marble within Catherine. Since having 5 Element Acupuncture treatment, the prolactin levels over time have come down, from 2384 down to 1842, a reduction that has been further supported by a healthier diet.
Since undergoing 5 Element Acupuncture, Catherine finds herself making better choices for her own health, realising that adjustments to the amount of exercise was required, her appetite has increased and Catherine is making more sensible healthier choices with food.
Catherine has noticed her own stress levels have come down, and the treatments are improving her overall quality of life. One key reflection point for Catherine has been the education of a healthy balance to sports and fitness, as well as a work/ life balance. Her determination to prove herself, competing as well as her desire to prove herself in her working career has impacted her life, and feels education is important for aspiring sports people as well as those who put work ahead of their own health should be more effectively communicated.
Her main symptoms have been high levels of stress, aching muscles, light, irregular periods, low energy all that impact her at work
Catherine came to have 5 Element Acupuncture and through treatment was looking to make radical changes to help sustain her own wellbeing, through which she started to reflect on how no matter how hard or what level she has got to, it was never good enough, and only extreme exhaustion and ill health was the result.
Catherine came to a cross roads and 5 Element Acupuncture was the start of a different goal – wellness. This journey has certainly made some had some life changing results for Catherine.
One of many triathlons