Hypopituitarism…and YOU!Hypopituitarism…and YOU!

Your five minute look inside this disease of the anterior

pituitary gland

The pituitary is a small bean-shaped glandlocated at the base of your brain, somewhat behind

your nose and between your ears. Despite its size, this gland secretes hormones that influence

nearly every part of your body.

Hypopituitarism is a disorder in which your pituitary gland fails to produce

one or more of its hormones, or doesn't produce enough of them.

Hormones produced by the pituitary gland include:

Hormones produced by the pituitary gland include:

• Growth hormone (GH). This hormone controls bone and tissue growth and maintains the appropriate balance of muscle and fat tissue.

• Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). By regulating urine production, this hormone manages water balance in your body. A deficiency of ADH results in a condition called diabetes insipidus, causing excess urination and thirst.

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone stimulates your thyroid gland to produce key hormones that regulate your metabolism. Shortage of TSH results in an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

• Luteinizing hormone (LH). In men, LH regulates testosterone production. In women, it fosters production of estrogen.

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Working in tandem with LH, FSH helps stimulate sperm production in men, and egg development and ovulation in women.

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone stimulates your adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones. Cortisol helps your body deal with stress and influences many body functions, affecting blood pressure, heart function and your immune system.

• Prolactin. This hormone regulates the development of female breasts, as well as the production of breast milk.

CausesCauses

Hypopituitarism is frequently triggered by a tumor of the pituitary gland. As pituitary

tumors increase in size, they can compress and damage pituitary tissue, interfering with

hormone production. A tumor can also compress the optic nerves, causing visual

disturbances.

“It’s not a tumor!”

The cause of hypopituitarism can also be due to other diseases and events such as:

The cause of hypopituitarism can also be due to other diseases and events such as:

• Head injuries • Brain tumor • Brain surgery • Radiation treatment • Autoimmune inflammation (hypophysitis) • Stroke• Infections of the brain, such as meningitis • Tuberculosis

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms

Hypopituitarism is often progressive. Although the signs and symptoms can

occur suddenly, usually they tend to develop gradually. They are sometimes vague

and subtle and may be overlooked for many months

or even years.

Signs and symptoms vary depending on which pituitary hormones are deficient.

Signs and symptoms vary depending on which pituitary hormones are deficient.

• Fatigue • Headaches• Low tolerance for stress• Muscle weakness • Nausea • Constipation • Weight loss or gain • A decline in appetite

• Abdominal discomfort • Sensitivity to cold or difficulty staying warm • Visual disturbances• Loss of underarm and pubic hair• Joint stiffness• Hoarseness • Facial puffiness • Thirst and excess urination • Low blood pressure • Lightheadedness when standing

There are treatments!

Although hypopituitarism is rare, it is treatable! You'll likely need medications for the rest of

your life, but your symptoms of hypopituitarism can be controlled.

The more you know….

T/F Hypopituitarism is caused by the pituitary gland producing an excess of hormones.

Name three hormones produced by the pituitary gland.

Identify four signs or symptoms of hypopituitarism.