Hypopituitarism Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland fails to produce one or more of the pituitary hormones or does not produce them in sufficient quantities. This disease is classified as a rare disorder.
People who have hypopituitarism have a low supply of one or more of the pituitary hormones. Hormonal deficiencies that occur can affect various body organ functions, such as growth, blood pressure, and reproduction.
The pituitary gland is a small, bean-shaped gland located at the base of the brain, behind the nose, between the ears. Despite their small size, these glands secrete various hormones that affect almost all parts of the body. Treatment of hypopituitarism generally involves taking medication for a long period of time to control the symptoms that occur.
Symptom
Hypopituitarism is a progressive disease. Although signs and symptoms may occur suddenly, they are more likely to develop gradually. Sometimes, signs and symptoms can be very mild and go unnoticed for months or even years.
The signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism are quite varied. This depends on the pituitary hormones involved and the severity of the disease. Some of the signs and symptoms that can arise are:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Decreased sexual desire
- Sensitivity to cold or difficulty keeping the body warm
- Decreased appetite
- Swelling of the face
- Anemia
- Infertility
- Hot flushes, irregular or no periods, shedding of pubic hair, and difficulty producing milk in women
- Reduced facial or body hair in men
- Short stature in children
Reason
Hypopituitarism can occur as a result of an inherited condition, or it can be an acquired disorder. Hypopituitarism is often triggered by a tumor in the pituitary gland.
As a pituitary gland tumor increases in size, there will be compression and damage to the pituitary tissue, which affects hormone production. The tumor can also press on the optic nerve, causing vision problems.
Hypopituitarism can also be caused by diseases or other events that can cause damage to the pituitary gland, such as:
- Head injury
- Tumors in the brain or pituitary gland
- Surgery on the brain
- Radiation therapy
- Autoimmune inflammation
- Strokes
- Infection of the brain, such as meningitis
- tuberculosis
- Infiltrative diseases, such as sarcoidosis, which is an inflammatory disease that occurs in various organs. Or hemochromatosis, which causes excess iron deposits in the liver and other tissues
- Excessive blood loss during delivery, which can cause damage to the anterior portion of the pituitary gland
- Genetic mutations that cause obstacles to pituitary hormone production
Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects a pituitary disorder, several tests can be done to evaluate the levels of various hormones in the body. Doctors can also check for hypopituitarism if a person has a head injury or radiation treatment which can risk triggering damage to the pituitary gland.
Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out include:
- Blood test. The examination can detect certain hormone deficiencies as a result of pituitary failure. For example, blood tests can identify low levels of thyroid, adrenal, or sex hormones, and can help determine whether the decreased levels are related to the underproduction of pituitary hormones.
- Stimulation or dynamic examination. Doctors can suggest special examinations that evaluate hormone secretion in the body after taking certain medications that can stimulate hormone production.
- Brain imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) of the brain can detect pituitary tumors or other structural abnormalities.
- Visibility check. This examination can determine if the growth of a pituitary tumor has obstructed vision or visual fields.
Handling
Treatment of hypopituitarism involves treating the underlying condition. Proper treatment can help improve pituitary hormone production.
The first step is usually treatment with the necessary hormones. The treatment is considered more as a ‘substitute’ and not merely a treatment.
In this treatment, the doctor will determine the dose of replacement hormone according to the amount of hormone that is generally produced by the body if there is no pituitary gland disorder. This treatment can be needed for life.
Treatment of pituitary tumors can involve surgery to remove tumor tissue. In some cases, doctors may also recommend radiation therapy.
Hormone replacement treatment may include the use of certain types of corticosteroids that can replace adrenal hormones that are not being produced due to insufficient amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The use of levothyroxine can replace low thyroid hormone levels resulting from low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) production.
While the use of testosterone in men or a combination of estrogen and progesterone in women to replace the reduced production of sex hormones. The use of somatropin to replace the lack of growth hormone production.
Prevention
Avoiding the factors that can lead to hypopituitarism can reduce the risk of developing the condition.