What causes hypopituitarism?
There are three major mechanisms which lead to the development of hypopituitarism. The first involves decreased release of hypothalamic hormones that stimulate pituitary function. The cause of decreased hypothalamic function may be
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congenital or acquired through interference such as tumors, inflammation, infection, mass lesions or interruption of blood supply. A second category of causes is any event or mass which interrupts the delivery of hormones from the hypothalamus. These may include particular tumors and aneurysms. Damage to the pituitary stalk from injury or surgery can also lead to hypopituitarism.
The third cause of hypopituitarism is damage to the pituitary gland cells. Destroyed cells can not produce the pituitary hormones that would normally be secreted by the gland. Cells may be destroyed by a number of tumors and diseases. Hypopituitarism is often caused by tumors, the most common of which is pituitary adenoma.
Deficient pituitary gland function can result from damage to either the pituitary or the area just above the pituitary, the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus contains releasing and inhibitory hormones which control the pituitary. Since these hormones are necessary for normal pituitary function, damage to the hypothalamus can also result in deficient pituitary gland function. Injury to the pituitary can occur from a variety of insults, including damage from an enlarging pituitary tumor, irradiation to the pituitary, pituitary apoplexy, trauma and abnormal iron storage (hemochromatosis). With increasing damage there is a progressive decrease in function. There appears to be a predictable loss of hormonal function with increasing damage. The progression from most vulnerable to least vulnerable is usually as follows: first is growth hormone (GH), next the gonadotropins (LH and FSH which control sexual/reproductive function), followed by TSH (which control thyroid hormone release) and finally the last to be lost is typically ACTH (which controls adrenal function).
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More information on hypopituitarism
What is hypopituitarism? - Hypopituitarism (underactive pituitary gland) is a condition that affects the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
What causes hypopituitarism? - Causes of hypopituitarism involves decreased release of hypothalamic hormones, damage to the pituitary gland cells.
What are the symptoms of hypopituitarism? - Symptoms of hypopituitarism include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss and abdominal pain.
How is hypopituitarism diagnosed? - Once the diagnosis of a single hormone deficiency is made, it is strongly recommended that tests for other hormone deficiencies be conducted.
What's the treatment of hypopituitarism? - Treatment of hypopituitarism depends on the age and sex of the patient, severity of the deficiency, the number of hormones involved. |
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