Hypopituitarism…and YOU!
Your five minute look inside this disease of the
anterior pituitary gland
The pituitary is a small bean-shaped gland
located 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:
• 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.
Causes
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:
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Head injuries
Brain tumor
Brain surgery
Radiation treatment
Autoimmune inflammation (hypophysitis)
Stroke
Infections of the brain, such as meningitis
Tuberculosis
Signs 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.
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Fatigue
Headaches
Low tolerance for stress
Muscle weakness
Nausea
Constipation
Weight loss or gain
A decline in appetite
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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.