Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is hypopituitarism?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism?
- When should I go to the doctor?
- Cause
- What causes hypopituitarism?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for hypopituitarism?
- Drugs & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for hypopituitarism?
- What are the usual tests for hypopituitarism?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat hypopituitarism?
Definition
What is hypopituitarism?
Hypopituitarism is a condition where the pituitary gland is underactive. It occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones. This is a rare medical disorder. The pituitary gland is located under the brain, also known as the control gland because it helps regulate other glands that also produce hormones. These other glands include the thyroid, adrenals, and reproductive organs.
This disorder can affect only one gland, several glands, or the entire gland. The effects can be gradual or rapid and sudden. The pituitary gland is essential for regulating water balance, blood pressure, sexual function, response to stress, and basic metabolism. In hypopituitarism disorders, the hormone system above does not work properly.
How common is hypopituitarism?
Hypopituitarism is a fairly rare disease. Statistical data shows the annual percentage of new hypopituitarism cases in the world is only about 0.004% per year.
You can reduce your chances of getting this disease by reducing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism?
Hypopituitarism is a condition in which some people show no symptoms, except when they are under stress. Others get these symptoms suddenly, including headaches, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and stiffness in the neck.
The symptoms that occur depend on the organ system that is affected. An affected thyroid gland can cause you to feel weak and tired, have difficulty passing stools, nausea, and gain weight.
Affected ovaries can cause menstrual cycle changes, vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. Affected testicles will cause erection problems. The adrenal glands are affected causing weakness, dizziness on standing, a feeling of pain in the stomach and pain in the stomach.
Children with hypopituitarism will grow slowly.
There may be other signs and symptoms not listed above. If you feel worried about a symptom, consult your doctor further.
When should I go to the doctor?
If you experience symptoms or signs like those listed above, or have any other questions, please consult your doctor. You also need to contact your doctor immediately if you experience typical symptoms such as severe headaches, visual disturbances, confusion, or a drop in blood pressure. These signs and symptoms can indicate bleeding in the pituitary gland (pituitary apoplection) that requires immediate medical attention.
Cause
What causes hypopituitarism?
Causes of hypopituitarism include:
- Syphilis, fungal, purulent infections leading to encephalitis, meningitis
- Embolism of the sinuses, temporal atheritis, swelling of the carotid arteries, trauma to the brain that causes bleeding in the brain.
- Postpartum pituitary necrosis: circulatory disorders, septicemia during childbirth or abortion, arterial spasm, narrowing of the arteries causing gangrene of the anterior pituitary gland
- Pituitary infarction in diabetic patients with vascular degeneration.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for hypopituitarism?
There are various factors that can increase your risk of developing hypopituitarism:
- History of blood loss associated with the uterus
- History of trauma to the skull base
- Perform radiotherapy to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus after pituitary tumor surgery
- Have a pituitary tumor or other brain tumor pressing against the hypothalamus lobe
- Infection of the brain, excess fluid in the brain
- Pituitary trauma or bleeding
- Stroke, congenital malformations
Not having the risks mentioned above doesn't mean you can't get hypopituitarism. These factors are for reference only. We recommend that you consult your doctor for more details.
Drugs & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for hypopituitarism?
Treatment depends on the cause of the hypopituitarism. Your doctor will prescribe a hormone medication for you that will replace any hormones your body doesn't make.
People with hypopituitarism may have to take medication for life. Taking medication can stop symptoms from recurring. Surgery may be needed if there is an abnormal growth on the pituitary gland or the tissue around the brain that causes hypopituitarism.
What are the usual tests for hypopituitarism?
The doctor will ask questions and perform a physical examination. The doctor will also take blood and urine samples to measure hormone levels. The doctor may also prescribe medication to see if there are changes in hormone levels after being given the drug. A special imaging examination called an MRI may be done to see if there are any changes in the pituitary gland.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat hypopituitarism?
Lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with hypopituitarism are:
- Take medication as prescribed by your doctor
- Visit your doctor regularly to make sure your hormone levels are within normal limits
- Tell your doctor right away if you have fever, nausea, or vomiting, or if you feel faint or dizzy
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
