Pituitary insufficiency: what are its symptoms, causes and treatment

Pituitary insufficiency is a rare disorder in which the pituitary gland fails to produce one or more hormones, or produces insufficient amounts.

The pituitary gland is a bean-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is part of the body’s endocrine system, which includes all the glands that produce and regulate hormones. Despite its small size, the pituitary gland produces and releases a number of hormones that affect almost every part of the body.

When you have pituitary insufficiency, you have a low supply (deficiency) of one or more of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland. These hormonal deficiencies can affect various normal body functions, such as growth, blood pressure or reproduction. Symptoms usually vary depending on which hormone or hormones you are lacking.

The signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism usually develop gradually and worsen over time. Sometimes they are subtle and can go unnoticed for months or even years. But for some people, the signs and symptoms develop suddenly.

The signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism vary from person to person, depending on which pituitary hormones are affected and to what extent. In people who have more than one pituitary hormone deficiency, the second deficiency can worsen or, in some cases, mask the symptoms of the first deficiency.

In children, deficiency growth hormone This can cause growth problems and short stature. Most adults who are impaired growth hormone they have no symptoms, but in some adults it can lead to the following: Fatigue Muscle weakness Changes in body fat composition Lack of ambition Social isolation

The deficiency of these hormones, called gonadotropins, affects the reproductive system. In women, a deficiency decreases the production of eggs and estrogen by the ovaries. In men, a deficiency decreases the production of sperm and testosterone by the testicles. Both women and men may experience decreased sexual desire, infertility, or fatigue. In children and adolescents, late puberty is often the only symptom.

Women may also experience symptoms such as: Hot flashes Irregular or absent periods Loss of pubic hair Inability to produce milk for breastfeeding

Men may also experience symptoms such as: Erectile dysfunction Decreased facial or body hair Mood swings

This hormone controls the thyroid gland. A deficiency of thyroid stimulating hormone leads to low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). This causes symptoms such as: Fatigue Weight gain Dry skin Constipation Sensitivity to cold or difficulty maintaining body temperature.

This hormone helps the adrenal glands function properly and helps the body respond to stress. Deficiency symptoms adrenocorticotropic hormone These include: Severe fatigue Low blood pressure, which can lead to fainting Frequent and prolonged infections Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain Disorientation

This hormone, also called vasopressin, helps the body balance its fluid levels. A deficiency of Antidiuretic hormone can lead to a condition called diabetes insipidus, which can cause: Excessive urination Extreme thirst Electrolyte imbalances

Consult your doctor if you have any of the signs and symptoms associated with hypopituitarism.

If your doctor suspects that you have a pituitary hormone disorder, he or she may order various tests to check your body’s hormone levels and look for a cause.

The first step in treating pituitary insufficiency is often to take medication to help bring hormone levels back to normal. This is usually called hormone replacement because the doses are set to match the amounts your body would produce if there were no pituitary problem. You may need to take the drug for the rest of your life.

A doctor who specializes in endocrine disorders (endocrinologist) can monitor your symptoms and the levels of these hormones in your blood to make sure you are getting the right amounts.

If you are taking corticosteroids, you should consult your doctor to adjust the dose of the medication during times of increased physical or emotional stress. During these times, the body typically produces extra cortisol, a hormone, to help you deal with stress.

If you suffer from hypopituitarism, it is important that you wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant and carry a special card that informs others of your condition, eg. For example, in emergency situations. This is especially important if you are taking corticosteroids for a deficiency in adrenocorticotropic hormone .