22/10/2025
I want to share a post from my group. Often we are not heard and people do need to know they are not alone.
Let’s Talk About the Reality of Empty Sella Syndrome (ESS)
Hi everyone, Tracey here — I’m a naturopath and admin to this page, which I started because I was struggling to get help, but more importantly, I’m someone who genuinely sees what you’re going through.
I’ve been reading so many of your posts with tears in my eyes, because the symptoms so many of you are describing? They're real, they're disruptive, and you're not imagining a single one of them.
ESS is more than a line on a scan. It affects your whole body, your energy, and your spirit.
These Are Not “Just Headaches”
When you say:
• “My head feels like it’s being squeezed.”
• “There’s pressure behind my eyes and ears.”
• “I hear pulsing, thumping, or swooshing in my ears.”
• “I lose vision when I cough or bend down.”
• “I’m peeing constantly and can’t figure out why.”
• “My legs ache, I feel weak, and my chest feels tight.”
Let me tell you: YES, these are all linked to ESS — especially when there’s hormone disruption or cerebrospinal fluid pressure involved.
What Might Be Happening (and What You Can Ask For)
Many people with ESS are sent away with no answers — but what you actually need is:
✔️ A full hormone panel (not just TSH!)
✔️ An MRI, not just a CT
✔️ A review of intracranial pressure or possible CSF leaks
✔️ A neuro-endocrinologist who understands pituitary function
And yes — pituitary dysfunction can cause all kinds of chaos in your body: fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, weakness, even digestive and bladder changes.
You're Not Alone (Even If You’ve Been Ignored)
It’s soul-destroying to be told it’s all in your head — but now you’re here, in a group where we DO believe you. The shaking hands, the loss of vision, the noise in your ears, the never-ending exhaustion?
You are not dramatic.
You are not weak.
You are not “just anxious.”
You’re living with a real, complex condition that needs a holistic view — body and brain.
As a naturopath, here’s what I often recommend alongside medical care:
• Magnesium (glycinate) for nerve tension and muscle pain
• B-complex vitamins, especially B5 and B12
• Adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola to support the HPA axis
• Filtered water, low-sugar anti-inflammatory diet, and gentle movement
• Journaling symptoms daily to track triggers and patterns
ESS is tricky, but you can regain pieces of yourself with the right support.
If anyone here is newly diagnosed or struggling to get doctors to listen, I’m happy to help you create a cheat sheet or list of what to ask for — because advocating for yourself is exhausting when you’re already feeling unwell.
Sending big love to every warrior in here.
We believe you.
We are you.
And together, we’ll keep finding our way forward. 💛
– Tracey 🌿 Naturopath, Lymphatic Practitioner, Support Coordinator, and Champion of the Underdog