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Panhypopituitarism(PHP; Underactive Pituitary Gland)Pronounced: Pan-HI-po-pah-TWO-ah-ta-ree-sm
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Diana Kohnle DefinitionThe pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain. It produces several important hormones that control the production of other hormones made by glands in the body. In panhypopituitarism, the gland produces an insufficient amount of hormones.
CausesThis condition is most often caused by damage to the gland. In adults, it is usually a result of pituitary surgery. In children, damage to the pituitary gland may be caused by: In some cases, the cause may be unknown. Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chance of panhypopituitarism include:
SymptomsCompression of the TumorCompression of the tumor on local structures, especially the nerves of the eyes, can cause:
Insufficient Hormones
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:
TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. The goal of treatment is to restore normal blood hormone levels of thyroid, adrenal, estrogen or testosterone, and sometimes growth hormone. Treatment options include:
PreventionIn most cases, the causes of panhypopituitarism are not preventable. RESOURCES:Hormone Health Network—Endocrine Society http://www.hormone.org The Pituitary Network Association http://pituitary.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone therapy in adult men with androgen deficiency syndromes: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2006;91(6):1995-2010. Hypopituitarism in children. Stanford Children's Health website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed March 6, 2018. Randeva HS, Schoebel J, et al. Classical pituitary apoplexy: clinical features, management and outcome.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1999;51(2):181-188. Schneider HJ, Aimaretti G, Kreitschmann-Andermahr I, Stalla GK, Ghigo E. Hypopituitarism.
Lancet.
2007;269(9571):1461-1470. Toogood AA, Stewart PM. Hypopituitarism: clinical features, diagnosis, and management.
Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am.
1998;37(1):235-261 What is a growth disorder? Nemours Kids Health website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2014. Accessed March 6, 2018. Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Alan Drabkin, MD Last Updated: 3/1/2013 | |