Hypopituitarism is a deficiency in the hormones of the pituitary gland, which affect the work of many different organs. As a result of hypopituitarism, the functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal cortex, gonads and kidneys is disturbed. What are the causes of an underactive pituitary gland? How do I recognize my symptoms? What is the treatment?

Hypopituitarism , the endocrine gland in the skull at the base of the brain, means that one or more pituitary hormones are deficient or absent. Pituitary gland hormones stimulate other endocrine glands such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and gonads (ovaries, testes) to produce and secrete hormones necessary for the proper functioning of the body. They also affect the work of the kidneys. In the case of hypopituitarism, hypopituitarism occurs and the functioning of these organs is impaired.

Hormones produced by the pituitary gland

The hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland are:

  • TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) - stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete the hormones - triiodotrinine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)
  • ACTH (corticotropic hormone) stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol
  • lutropin (LH) - stimulates ovulation in women and the synthesis of sex hormones in both sexes
  • follitropin (FSH) - stimulates the development and maturation of Graaf's follicles in the ovaries, and after ovulation enhances the synthesis of estrogens and progesterone.
  • PRL (prolactin) - stimulates the mammary glands to secrete milk
  • GH (growth hormone) - stimulates the synthesis of growth factors

Hormones produced by the posterior pituitary gland:

  • vasopressin, or antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is involved, via the kidneys, in regulating the body's water management (it thickens the urine)
  • oxytocin - affects the contractile activity of the uterus during labor and the secretion of milk from the mammary glands

Hypopituitarism - Causes

The most common cause of hypopituitarism is a tumor of this gland (the most common form is pituitary adenoma) or another brain tumor that compresses the pituitary gland (e.g. glioma, meningioma, teratomas).

Hypothyroidismpituitary glands in the family increase the risk of developing the disease.

Hypopituitarism can also occur as a result of its damage, caused by craniocerebral trauma, surgery, radiation.

Hypopituitarism can be the result of encephalitis or meningitis, empty saddle syndrome, pituitary stroke, postpartum pituitary necrosis (Sheehan's syndrome).

Poor functioning of the pituitary gland can also be the result of congenital underdevelopment.

Hypopituitarism can also occur in the course of diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, histiocytosis or Wegener's granulomatosis.

Hypopituitarism - Symptoms

  • no puberty (in children)
  • loss of pubic hair and armpits

The symptoms of an underactive pituitary gland are symptoms of an underactive thyroid, adrenal glands, and ovaries and testes.

  • menstrual disorders
  • impotence
  • infertility
  • lack of lactation after childbirth
  • weakness
  • sleepiness
  • low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia)
  • pale, dry skin
  • easy to freeze
  • weight loss
  • excessive thirst
  • polyuria

Hypopituitarism -research

  • testing the level of the above-mentioned hormones
  • X-ray of the skull or other imaging test (preferably pituitary magnetic resonance).

Hypopituitarism -treatment

Symptomatic treatment consists of administering hormones to make up for their deficiency in the body. For example, in the case of TSH deficiency, L-thyroxine preparations are administered.

Treatment may include, for example, surgery (if the cause of hypopituitarism is a tumor or aneurysm) or the use of antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medications for meningitis.

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