HYPOPITUITARISM
Insufficient secretion of 1 or more pituitary hormones is called hypopituitarism
What is hypopituitarism;
Hypopituitarism refers to decreased secretion of one or more hormones, normally secreted by the pituitary gland.
TopWhat is the incidence of the disease;
The incidence of the disease is 4.2 cases per 100,000 people, per year.
TopWhat are the symptoms and signs of hypopituitarism;
The signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism depend on the hormone or hormones that is/are deficient:
Top/ / / Growth Hormone Deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency is manifested as:
- Decreased growth and short stature in children
- hypoglycaemia
- central obesity
- decreased muscle mass
- muscle weakness
- fatigue
/ / / Gonadotropin Deficiency
Gonadotropin deficiency results in hypogonadism and can be presented as:
- amenorrhea,
- infertility
- decreased libido
- erectile dysfunction
- hot flushes
- sweating
- insomnia
- hair loss
/ / / Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Deficiency
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone deficiency manifests as central hypothyroidism and includes:
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Cold Intolerance
- Dry Skin
- Weight gain
/ / / Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Deficiency
Adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency causes secondary adrenal insufficiency and may presents as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
- hypoglycaemia
- vertigo
- weight loss
- hypotension
- collapse
- death
/ / / Prolactin deficiency
Prolactin deficiency is manifested as:
- inability to breastfeed
/ / / Antidiuretic Hormone Deficiency
Antidiuretic hormone deficiency results in diabetes insipidus and may presents as :
- intense thirst (polydipsia)
- frequent urination (polyuria), nocturia
- tiredness
- weakness
- nausea, vomiting
- dizziness, confusion
- electrolyte disorders (sodium increase/hypernatremia)
What are the causes of hypopituitarism;
The causes of the disease are many, such as:
- pituitary adenomas
- hypothalamic tumours
- metastases
- invasive, infiltrative, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
- radiation and prior pituitary surgery
- head injury
- genetic syndromes
- idiopathic
What are the complications of hypopituitarism;
- failure of growth
- hypotension
- cardiovascular complications
- electrolyte disturbances
- death
How is hypopituitarism diagnosed;
Diagnosis includes physical examination, history, specialized endocrinological and dynamic tests to determine the hormones that are deficient, magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy.
TopWhat is the treatment of hypopituitarism;
Treatment consists of:
- treatment of the cause and
- replacement of hormones that are inadequate
- Failure to replace the hormones that are deficient leads to serious complications and even death. That is why regular monitoring of these patients is crucial.