Hypopituitarism
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Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones that it is supposed to produce. If the pituitary gland stops producing all of its hormones, it is a condition known as panhypopituitarism.
Causes
Some common causes of hypopituitarism include benign tumor(s) in/near the pituitary gland, radiation treatment, pituitary surgery, traumatic brain injury, and certain infections such as meningitis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hypopituitarism vary depending on what hormones are missing and how much of them is missing.
Some common symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, nausea/vomiting, weight changes, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, loss of armpit/pubic hair, infertility, decreased sex drive, irregular periods in women, and growth/sexual development impairment (in children).
Types
Growth hormone deficiency:
growth problems, short stature, can affect bone strength
Gonadotropin (luteinizing hormone & follicle-stimulating hormone) deficiency:
affects reproductive system/fertility
Thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency:
leads to low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency:
affects adrenal glands
Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) deficiency:
not enough ADH to regulate water levels in the body
excessive thirst and urination
Treatment
Hypopituitarism is treated using medications that raise levels of the hormones that are missing.
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