Hypopituitarism

What is Hypopituitarism?

Hypopituitarism is a rare disorder caused by the failure or low level production of one or more harmones by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain that regulates the hypothalamus function. Harmones secreted by the gland include growth hormone (GH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), etc. Hypopituitarism mainly affects to the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland resulting into a partial or complete loss of functioning of that lobe. Hypopituitarism can affect the body functions such as growth, blood pressure, or reproduction.

Other names for hypopituitarism are pituitary insufficiency, underactive pituitary gland and when if pituitary gland fails to produce two or more harmones, the condition sometimes is referred to multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD), and if the gland fails to produce all harmones, the condition can be referred as panhypopituitarism.

Hypopituitarism is of two types : primary (directly affecting pituitary gland) and secondary (affecting the hypothalamus).

Causes of Hypopituitarism

• Tumors of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
• Brain tumor and brain surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Weak immune system
• Sarcoidosis - inflammation of the lymph nodes and other tissues of the body
• Head injuries
• Severe bleeding during childbirth causing damage the front part of the pituitary galnd. This condition is referred as Sheehan's syndrome or postpartum pituitary necrosis.
• Congenital or acquired disorders
• Tuberculosis
• Stroke
• Surgery to the pituitary gland
• Amyloidosis - a rare condition resulting into the buildup of amyloid, a protein and starch, in tissues and organs

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