Hypopituitarism (also called pituitary insufficiency) is a rare condition in which your pituitary gland doesn’t make enough of certain hormones. Your body can’t work properly when important glands, such as your thyroid gland and adrenal gland, don’t get the hormones they need from your pituitary gland.
What is the pituitary gland and what does it do?
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland found at the base of your brain. It is called the “master gland” because it affects the action of many other important glands that produce their own hormones. The pituitary gland affects almost all parts of your body.
Did You Know?
Hypopituitarism can develop very slowly, over several months or even over several years.
What can cause hypopituitarism?
Hypopituitarism can be caused by
Tumors in or near the pituitary gland (which are usually benign, meaning not cancer)
Radiation treatment for a tumor, which can destroy pituitary gland tissue
Traumatic brain injury, such as with a head injury from an accident
Severe bleeding in the brain or severe blood loss during childbirth
Tuberculosis or meningitis
Certain conditions present at birth
Sometimes, the cause is unknown.
Pituitary Gland Hormones and What They Do
Stimulates production of breast milk after childbirth
May affect menstrual periods, sex drive, and fertility
In children, stimulates growth
In adults, affects muscle mass, bone mass, and fat distribution
Stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which helps maintain blood pressure and blood glucose (sugar) levels, especially during stress, illness, or injury
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Stimulates the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and energy balance
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Stimulates ovulation in women and testosterone production in men
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Stimulates estrogen production and egg development in women and sperm production in men
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (vasopressin)
Regulates the amount of water the body releases in the urine
Helps flow of breast milk
Helps with labor during childbirth
What are the symptoms of hypopituitarism?
Symptoms can include one or more of the following:
Stomach pain, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, and constipation
Excessive thirst and urination
Fatigue and/or weakness
Anemia, meaning weakness from not having enough red blood cells
Headache and dizziness
Sensitivity to cold
Weight loss or weight gain
Stiffness in the joints
In women: loss of armpit or pubic hair, decreased sex drive, infertility, problems with breast feeding, irregular or no menstrual periods, and hot flashes
In men: loss of hair (on the face, or in the armpits or pubic area), decreased sex drive, infertility
In children, problems with growth (including height) and sexual development
How is hypopituitarism diagnosed?
Your doctor will check your hormone levels with blood tests. You may have other tests, such as an MRI of your pituitary gland, to help find the cause of your hypopituitarism.
What is the treatment for hypopituitarism?
Treatment usually includes taking the hormones you’re missing, sometimes for life. Your doctor also will teach you how to take extra cortisone (a hormone) when you are sick or under stress. If a tumor is causing your hypopituitarism, you might need surgery to remove it and/or possibly radiation treatment. If needed, you can take medicine for infertility.
You will need to get regular check-ups. It’s wise to wear medical identification, such as a bracelet or pendant, which provides information about your condition in case of an emergency.
What is the long-term outlook for me with hypopituitarism?
You can expect a normal life span, as long as you regularly take the medications recommended by your doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
What tests do I need to find out what’s wrong with my pituitary?
Will my pituitary ever start working again?
What medicines do I need to take?
Do I need other types of treatment?
How long will I need treatment?
How often will I need check-ups and blood tests?
If I get sick or have an emergency, how should I adjust the dose of medicine I take?
Find-an-Endocrinologist: www.hormone.org or call 1-800-HORMONE (1-800-467-6663)