Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1)

You may start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. Then you may be referred to a doctor called an endocrinologist who treats conditions related to hormones. You also may be referred to a genetic counselor.

Here's some 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 ahead of time. For example, you may be told not eat or drink anything except water for an amount of time before a test. This is called fasting. You also can make a list of:

• Your symptoms. Include any that don't seem related to the reason for your appointment.
• Key personal information. Include major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
• All medicines, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses.
• Questions to ask your healthcare professional.

Take a family member or friend along if you can. This person can help you remember the information you're given.

For MEN 1, some basic questions to ask your healthcare professional include:

• What's likely causing my symptoms?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely short-term or long-term?
• What's the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the main treatment you're suggesting?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Feel free to ask any other questions that you think of.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you questions such as:

• Does anyone in your family have MEN 1?
• Have you or any family members been tested for changes in the MEN1 gene?
• If you have symptoms, when did they start?
• Are your symptoms ongoing or do they happen once in a while?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to make your symptoms better?
• What, if anything, seems to make your symptoms worse?

What you can do in the meantime

If you have symptoms, try not to do anything that seems to make them worse.