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Alternative names Return to top
Pituitary insufficiencyDefinition Return to top
Hypopituitarism is a condition caused by low levels of pituitary hormones.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The pituitary gland is a small structure that is located just below the brain. It is attached by a stalk to the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls its function.
The hormones secreted by the pituitary and their functions are:
In hypopituitarism, there is an absence of one or more pituitary hormones. Lack of the hormone leads to loss of function in the gland or organ that it controls. (For example, loss of thyroid stimulating hormone leads to loss of function in the thyroid gland.)
Hypopituitarism may be caused by tumors of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, head trauma, brain tumor, radiation, brain surgery, stroke, or infections of the brain and the tissues that support the brain. Occasionally, hypopituitarism is due to uncommon immune system or metabolic diseases such as sarcoidosis, histiocytosis X, and hemochromatosis.
Hypopituitarism is also a rare complication following pregnancy, a condition called Sheehan's syndrome. The cause of hypopituitarism is unknown.
Symptoms Return to top
Note: Symptoms may develop slowly and may vary greatly depending upon the severity of the disorder and the number of deficient hormones and their target organs.
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and tests Return to top
Diagnosis of hypopituitarism must confirm decreased hormone levels due to an abnormality of the pituitary gland and rule out disease of the target organ.
Treatment Return to top
If hypopituitarism is caused by a tumor, treatment by surgical removal and/or radiation therapy may be indicated. However, replacement of deficient hormones is often required even after successful treatment of a pituitary tumor.
Hormone therapy is needed to replace hormones no longer made by organs under the control of the pituitary gland. These include corticosteroids (cortisol), thyroid hormone, sex hormones (testosterone for men and estrogen for women), and growth hormone. Drugs are also available to treat associated infertility in men and women.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Hypopituitarism is usually permanent and requires life-long treatment; however, a normal life span can be expected.
Complications Return to top
Side effects of drug therapy can develop.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of hypopituitarism develop.
Prevention Return to top
In most cases, the disorder is not preventable. Awareness of risk may allow early diagnosis and treatment.
Update Date: 4/19/2004 Updated by: Nancy J. Rennert, M.D., Endocrinology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |