Hypopituitarism(Pituitary Insufficiency)Pronounced: Hi-po-pi-TUI-tar-ism Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention DefinitionThe pituitary gland is in the brain. It produces several important hormones that control the production of other hormones made by glands in the body. The pituitary gland is responsible for many body functions, including the following:
Hypopituitarism is an insufficient production of one or more hormones. It is not a common disorder. A problem in the pituitary can cause the amount of hormones from other glands to diminish as well. This can be a serious and sometimes, life-threatening problem. It will require care from your doctor. Pituitary Gland © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. CausesThere are several factors which may cause this condition:
Risk FactorsFactors that increase your the chance for hypopituitarism include:
SymptomsSymptoms often begin gradually and are not very specific since hormones control a variety of body functions. They may not be recognized for a while. Specific symptoms will depend on the type and level of hormone affected. For example:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist. This is a type of doctor that focuses on hormone disorders. Tests to determine hypopituitarism include taking a blood sample to do the following:
Provocative tests of pituitary function may also be done such as:
Once the diagnosis is confirmed:
TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best plan for you. This condition is likely permanent, though also depends on the cause. It will likely need to be treated for life. Treatment options include: MedicationsIf the condition is caused by a tumor, it is first treated with medications such as:
SurgeryMedication may not always work. In this case, surgery may be needed. If a tumor is involved it will be removed. Part or all of the gland may be removed as well. Hormone replacement therapy is needed after surgery or if other hormone deficiencies are found. Hormone Replacement TherapyWhen the target hormone levels are inadequate, they must be replaced. In most cases, therapy does not replace the hormones that the pituitary gland produces. Instead, the hormones of the other target glands that it stimulates are replaced. Examples include:
Radiation TherapyTreatment with radiation may be used after drug or surgical treatment or if they have failed. PreventionIn general, this condition is not preventable. Be aware of the risks and symptoms. This will make early diagnosis and treatment possible. RESOURCES:Pituitary Disorders Education and Support Pituitary Network Association The Pituitary Society Health Canada Thyroid Foundation of Canada REFERENCES:Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, Jones TV, et al. The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Second Home Edition . Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2003. Hypopituitarism. Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000343.htm . Accessed on July 22, 2005. Schneider HJ, Aimaretti G , Kreitschmann-Andermahr I, et al. Hypopituitarism. Lancet. 2007;369:1461-1470. Tomlinson JW, et al. Association between premature mortality and hypopituitarism. West Midlands Prospective Hypopituitary Study Group. Lancet . 2001; 357:425. Last reviewed January 2010 by B. Gabriel Smolarz, MD |
