Is Frequent Urination a Sign of Diabetes?
At 24 years old, I received a diagnosis related to a pituitary mass last year. This condition led to diminished cortisol levels, potentially caused by minor bleeding within the mass—though verification through surgery remains uncertain. Recently, my cortisol levels have stabilized to a borderline-normal state. Previously, my bathroom visits averaged around three to four times daily, increasing to five to seven when consuming alcohol (like 2+ bottles of soju paired with cocktails or a few servings of hard liquor). Initially, I suspected a urinary tract infection as the cause of my increased urination, but only one out of four doctors I consulted agreed with that diagnosis. After undergoing three courses of antibiotics, the symptoms improved but I still find myself needing to urinate more than ten times each day. Currently, my fluid intake is quite minimal—usually just a cup of matcha and about 400 ml of water. I have eliminated coffee from my diet in response to reading that it can irritate the bladder. Interestingly, while living abroad, I was able to consume two or three cups of coffee, or a combination of tea, apple juice, and Diet Coke, yet I only needed to visit the restroom fewer than five times a day, provided alcohol was not involved. Additionally, an ultrasound revealed no abnormalities in my urinary system. Complicating matters, my insulin-like growth factor levels are at 311, which is higher than normal. My doctor did not assess this during my last visit. I wonder: Is the increase in my urination frequency a normal side effect of my cortisol levels normalizing? I have read that low cortisol might contribute to decreased urination, potentially explaining my previous bathroom habits. However, I have concerns, especially since 15 trips to the restroom in a day seems excessive. I plan to discuss this with my doctor in the coming months, but I would appreciate any insights in the meantime. For reference, I am 160 cm tall and weigh between 47 and 48 kg, depending on the day—unsure if this detail is relevant to share, but Reddit seemed to require it.
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 4:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
Frequent urination can be linked to various factors, and in your case, it may relate to a combination of your medical history and current health status. Given your history of a pituitary mass and recent stabilization of cortisol levels, it's understandable to be concerned about this change in your urinary habits.
Explanation:
Cortisol is a hormone that has various roles in the body, including influencing fluid balance and kidney function. Fluctuations in cortisol levels can lead to changes in urine output. When your cortisol levels were low, you may have experienced less frequent urination. Now that they are borderline normal, this could potentially explain the increased frequency you’re experiencing.
In addition, other factors could contribute to your frequent urination:
- Fluid intake: Although your current fluid intake is minimal, certain fluids can still act as diuretics, increasing urination.
- Alcohol consumption: Alcohol is known to increase urine output; even small amounts can have this effect.
- Sugar levels: Elevated insulin-like growth factor or other hormone imbalances may also influence how often you need to urinate.
The fact that you previously noticed a decrease in bathroom visits while living abroad, with different dietary habits, suggests there could be lifestyle or dietary factors affecting your situation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Urination Patterns: Keep a log of the times you urinate each day and any changes in your fluid intake or dietary habits, including alcohol consumption.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption: As a first step, consider minimizing or eliminating alcohol to see if it makes a difference in your urinary frequency.
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Discuss Dietary Changes: When you meet with your doctor, bring up your dietary habits and how they've changed. This includes discussing the positive effects of your previous fluid intake abroad.
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Evaluate Other Symptoms: Pay attention to any accompanying symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, or weight changes, which could provide more context for your doctor.
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Talk about Hormone Levels: Request further evaluation of your insulin-like growth factor levels and other hormone levels during your next visit, as they might be influencing your urinary frequency and overall health.
In conclusion, while increased urination can arise from many reasons, it’s essential to consider all facets of your health. Keeping track of your symptoms and discussing these insights with your physician will help them better understand your condition and guide you towards appropriate management. Remember, you're not alone in this, and seeking clarification is the right step forward.
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