Pronounced: Hi-po-pi-TUI-tar-ism
En Espaol (Spanish Version)Definition
The pituitary gland, the master gland, is a pea-sized structure that is located at the base of the brain. Its primary role is to produce hormones.which control the production of other endocrine glands in the body.
Hypopituitarism is an uncommon disorder characterized by an insufficient production of of one or more hormones. The pituitary gland also produces its own hormones. When it isnt functioning properly, it can cause the amount of hormones that other glands produce to diminish. This is a potentially serious problem that requires care from your doctor.
The pituitary gland is responsible for many body functions, including the following:
- Growth
- Blood pressure
- Sex organ function
- Thyroid gland function
- Breast milk production and other aspects of pregnancy
- Conversion of food into energy
- Water balance in the body
Pituitary Gland
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Causes
There are several factors which may cause this condition:
- Tumors of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or brain
- Poor blood supply to the pituitary gland
- Head trauma
- Radiation to pituitary gland, head, or neck
- Stroke
- Infections and inflammatory diseases
- Uncommon immune system or metabolic diseases
- A rare complication after pregnancy, called Sheehans syndrome
- Metastatic cancer from lung , colon , prostate , or melanoma
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The risk factors for hypopituitarism include the following:
History of childhood cancer (Treatment can damage the endocrine system, which controls hormones.)InfectionsGeneticsType 1 diabetesSickle cell anemiaReduced blood volume or hypovolemia Symptoms Symptoms of hypopituitarism usually begin gradually and may not be recognized for a while. Symptoms depend on which hormone or hormones are low. The following are the hormones produced by the pituitary gland and their associated symptoms due to hormone deficiency: Growth hormone deficiency: Poor overall growthShort statureIncreased blood pressure Central obesityMuscle weaknessSmall heart Thyroid-stimulating hormonedeficiency: Sensitivity to coldWeight gainConstipationHair that is brittle and coarseHeart rate slowedDry skinMuscle weakness or fatigue Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency: Fatigue and weaknessLow blood pressureWeight lossIncrease in skin pigmentationAmenorrhea Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormonedeficiency: Infertility in men and womenVaginal drynessLoss of some gender-specific sexual characteristics (Women may lose hair from their underarms, body, and pubic area.)Reduced libidoAmenorrheaErectile dysfunctionMuscle weaknessSmall testesBreast enlargement in men DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. If necessary, your doctor will refer you to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in treating hormone disorders.
Tests to determine hypopituitarism include taking a blood sample to do the following: Measure the levels of hormones produced by the pituitary glandMeasure the levels of hormones produced by target endocrine glands, which are influenced by the pituitary gland Provocative tests of pituitary function may also be done. These may include: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) testArginine stimulation testL-dopaClonidine stimulation testInsulin tolerance testAdrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test Once the diagnosis of hypopituitarism is confirmed, lateral skull x-ray imaging tests (eg, an MRI ) are done on the pituitary gland to identify problems such as abnormal tissue and growth or shrinkage of the pituitary gland. TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Hypopituitarism is permanent and will likely need to be treated for life. Treatment options include the following: MedicationsIf the condition is caused by a tumor, it is first treated with medications (bromocriptine, cabergoline, or quinagolide), which can successfully shrink the tumor in up to 90% of cases. SurgerySurgery is required in cases where treatment with medication has failed.
Often, hormone replacement therapy is needed after surgery. Hormone Replacement Therapy When 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: Thyroid hormoneCorticosteroidsTestosterone (male)Estrogen and progesterone (female)Growth hormoneAntidiuretic hormone Radiation TherapyTreatment with radiation is used after drug or surgical treatment. PreventionIn general, this condition is not preventable. However, being aware of the risks and symptoms will make early diagnosis and treatment possible. RESOURCES: Pituitary Disorders Education and Supporthttp://www.pituitarydisorder.net Pituitary Network Associationhttp://www.pituitary.org The Pituitary Societyhttp://www.pituitarysociety.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guidehttp://www.bchealthguide.org/ Thyroid Foundation of Canadahttp://www.thyroid.ca 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 March 2008 by David Juan, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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