What is Hypopituitarism?
Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce normal amounts of hormones. The pituitary gland is located under the brain and is connected to the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is responsible for producing different types of hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone and growth hormone.
Prognosis of the disease
This pathology requires constant treatment. However, the patient can lead a normal life following the treatment advised by a specialist.
Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce normal amounts of hormones.
Symptoms of hypopituitarism
In most cases, symptoms begin gradually, i.e., they may go unnoticed for a while. In addition, the symptoms depend on the hormones that are in short supply. Among the most common symptoms, the following can be highlighted:
- Tiredness, lack of energy and muscle weakness.
- Low blood pressure
- Dry skin
- Decreased appetite with weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss or decrease in libido
Medical tests for Hypopituitarism
The tests to be performed are a physical examination to inspect the thyroid gland, sexual organs and eyes in order to detect signs of hormonal insufficiency and symptoms that may derive from this pathology.
It is also advisable to perform blood tests, since the level of hormones present in the blood may indicate a problem when determining the volume of hormones and if there is one that is at a lower level of secretion.
Occasionally, a stimulation test may be performed, which determines if there is a deficiency in certain hormones, mainly cortisol or growth hormone.
In addition, urine tests may be performed, as they may indicate a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone.
What are the causes of hypopituitarism?
In Hypopituitarism there is a deficiency of a particular hormone, therefore, the lack of that hormone can lead to a loss of function in the gland. Some of the causes are the following:
- Brain surgery or brain tumor, tumor in the pituitary or hypothalamus.
- Head trauma
- Infections or inflammation of the brain and the tissues that support it.
- Death of an area of tissue in the pituitary gland.
- Radiation therapy to the brain
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (from a ruptured aneurysm).
Can it be prevented?
This type of pathology cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis can help in choosing the optimal treatment for the patient. Treatments for Hypopituitarism (include all there are) There are different types of treatment. Depending on the cause or depending on the restitution of hormones.
- Treatment of the cause in case the cause is a tumor, the treatment would be directly the surgical removal of this tumor. The removal can also reduce any symptoms of comprehension and vision problems.
- Hormonal treatment consists of replacing the deficient hormones with target hormones.
Medications for Hypopituitarism
Depending on whether there is hormone deficiency, possible medications could be:
- Levothyroxine, if there is thyroid axis (TSH) deficit.
- Hydrocortisone/cortisone, if there is a deficit of the adrenocortical axis (ACTH).
- Testosterone/Estradiol+progesterone (if there is no desire for fertility), together with injections of Gn RH (if fertility is considered): in deficits of the gonadal axis.
- GH (growth hormone), if there is a proven deficit.
Which specialist treats it?
The specialist in charge of treating hypopituitarism is the endocrinologist.