Hypopituitarism Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) does not produce one or more of its hormones or not enough of them. This condition may occur because of disease in the pituitary or hypothalamus (a part of the brain that contains hormones that control the pituitary gland). When there is low or no production of all the pituitary hormones, the condition is called panhypopituitarism. This condition may affect either children or adults. The pituitary gland sends signals to other glands (eg, thyroid gland) to produce hormones (eg, thyroid hormone). The hormones produced by the pituitary gland and other glands have a significant impact on the body’s functions, such as growth, reproduction, blood pressure, and metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body). When one or more of these hormones is not produced properly, the body’s normal functions can be affected. Some of the hormones like cortisol and thyroid hormone may require prompt treatment, whereas others may not be life threatening. The pituitary gland produces several hormones. Some of the important hormones are as follows:
In hypopituitarism, one or more of these pituitary hormones is missing. The lack of hormone results in a loss of function of the gland or organ that it controls. Hypopituitary CausesA loss of function of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus results in low or absent hormones. Tumors can cause damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus and can therefore result in a loss of function. Damage to the pituitary gland can also be caused by radiation, surgery, infections (eg, meningitis), or various other conditions. In some cases, the cause is unknown. Hypopituitary SymptomsSome persons may have no symptoms or a gradual onset of symptoms. In other persons, the symptoms may be sudden and dramatic. The symptoms depend on the cause, rapidity of onset, and the hormone that is involved.
When to Seek Medical CareCall the doctor or health care practitioner if any symptoms develop. Exams and TestsThe doctor or health care practitioner may perform blood tests to determine which hormone level is low and to rule out other causes. The following tests may be performed:
An MRI or CT scan of the pituitary gland may be obtained to determine if a tumor is present. In children, x-rays of the hands may be taken to determine if bones are growing normally. Hypopituitary Treatment - Medical TreatmentMedical treatment consists of hormone replacement therapy and treatment of the underlying cause. MedicationsDrugs used to treat hypopituitarism replace the deficient hormone.
SurgerySurgery may be performed depending on the type and the location of the tumor. Next Steps - Follow-upCheckups with the doctor or health care practitioner are important. The doctor may need to adjust the dose of hormone replacement therapy. OutlookIf hormone replacement therapy is adequate, the prognosis is good. Complications are often related to the underlying disease.
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Hyperpituitarism Hyperpituitarism is the excessive production of growth hormone, which continues to be produced well. Hyperpituitarism also called acromegaly and gigantism. Hypersecretion of pituitary hormones secondary to macroadenomas can interfere with other pituitary hormone functions, resulting in target organ hormone deficiencies. Acromegaly occurs after epiphyseal closure, causing bone thickening and transverse growth and visceromegaly. This form of hyperpituitarism occurs equally among men and women, usually between the ages of 30 and 50. In most patients, the source of excessive growth hormone (GH) or human growth hormone secretion is a GH-producing adenoma of the anterior pituitary gland, usually macroadenoma (eosinophilic or mixed-cell). Since pituitary tumors (usually benign) are the most common cause of this condition, other areas controlled by the pituitary are often affected, such as Prolactin and thyroid hormones. Hyperpituitarism causes are hyperplasias and carcinomas of the adenohypophysis, secretion by non-pituitary tumours and certain hypothalamic disorders and carcinoid tumors. Prolonged effects of excessive GH secretion include:
Acromegaly develops slowly. In many people, the changes are so slow that they are not noticed for years. Observation reveals:
Gigantism develops abruptly, producing some of the same skeletal abnormalities seen in acromegaly. Gigantism affects infants and children, causing them to grow to as much as three times the normal height for their age. As they may eventually reach a height of more than 8' (2.4 m). Hypogonadism, leading to pubertal arrest, pubertal failure, or pubertal delay. Inspection reveals:
Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas are rare in children, accounting for only 3-6% of all adenomas in 2 large series, while they comprise 30% of adenomas. Treatment can consist of:
Adjunctive treatment may include bromocriptine, which inhibits GH synthesis, and octreotide acetate, a long-acting analogue of somatostatin that suppresses GH secretion in at least two-thirds of patients with acromegaly. Medical therapy for Cushing disease is adjunctive only. The goal is to inhibit the enzymes responsible for cortisol synthesis with adrenal enzyme inhibitors, such as metyrapone.
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Treatment for Hyperpituitarism
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