Pituitary insufficiency
Key points
- Hypopituitarism is a condition caused by low levels of pituitary hormones.
- The pituitary gland is a small structure that is located just below the brain.
- 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.
- Diagnosis of hypopituitarism must confirm decreased hormone levels due to an abnormality of the pituitary gland and rule out disease of the target organ.
Alternative names
Hypopituitarism
Definition
Hypopituitarism is a condition caused by low levels of pituitary hormones.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
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:
- growth hormone (GH), which stimulates growth of tissues and bone
- thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete hormones that affect body metabolism
- adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal gland to secrete cortisol which helps to maintain blood pressure
- prolactin, which stimulates female breast development and milk production
- luteinizing hormone (LH), which controls sexual function in males and females
- follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which controls sexual function in males and females
- antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which controls water loss by the kidneys
- oxytocin, which stimulates contraction of the uterus during labor and milk release from the breasts.
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
- fatigue
- weakness
- sensitivity to cold
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- abdominal pain
- low blood pressure
- headache
- visual disturbances
Frequently asked questions
What is pituitary insufficiency?
Hypopituitarism is a condition caused by low levels of pituitary hormones.
What are the risk factors for pituitary insufficiency?
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:
- growth hormone (GH), which stimulates growth of tissues and bone
- thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete hormones that affect body metabolism
- adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal gland to secrete cortisol which helps to maintain blood pressure
- prolactin, which stimulates female breast development and milk production
- luteinizing hormone (LH), which controls sexual function in…
What are the symptoms of pituitary insufficiency?
- fatigue
- weakness
- sensitivity to cold
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- abdominal pain
- low blood pressure
- headache
- visual disturbances
- short stature (less than 5 feet) if onset is during a growth period
- loss of armpit or pubic hair
- in women: cessation of menstrual periods, infertility, or failure to lactate
- in men: decreased sexual interest, loss of body or facial hair
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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