What's the treatment for hypopituitarism?
Treatment of hypopituitarism differs widely, depending on the age and sex of the patient, severity of the deficiency, the number of hormones involved, and even the underlying cause of the hypopituitarism. Immediate hormone replacement is generally administered to replace the specific deficient hormone. Patient education is encouraged to help patients manage
the impact of their hormone deficiency on daily life. For instance, certain illnesses, accidents or surgical procedures may have adverse complications due to hypopituitarism.
Gonadotropin deficiency: Replacement of gonadal steroids is common treatment for LH and FSH deficiency. Estrogen for women and testosterone for men will be prescribed in the lowest effective dosage possible, since there can be complications to this therapy. To correct women's loss of libido, small doses of androgens may be prescribed. To restore fertility in men, regular hormone injections may be required. Male and female patients whose hypopituitarism results from hypothalamic disease may be successfully treated with a hypothalamic releasing hormone (GnRH), which can restore gonadal function and fertility.
Thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency: In patients who have hypothyroidism, the function of the adrenal glands will be tested and treated with steroids before administering thyroid hormone replacement.
Adrenocorticotopic hormone deficiency: Hydrocortisone or cortisone in divided doses may be given to replace this hormone deficiency. Most patients require 20 mg or less of hydrocortisone per day.
Growth hormone deficiency: It is essential to treat children suffering from growth hormone deficiency. The effectiveness of growth hormone therapy in adults, particularly elderly adults, is not as well documented. It is thought to help restore normal muscle to fat ratios. HGH is an expensive and cautiously prescribed treatment.
Treatment of multiple deficiencies and panhypopituitarism: The treatment of hypopituitarism is usually very straightforward, but must normally continue for the remainder of the patient's life. Some patients may receive treatment with GnRH, the hypothalamic hormone. In most cases, treatment will be based on the specific deficiency demonstrated. Patients with hypopituitarism should be followed regularly to measure treatment effectiveness and to avoid overtreatment with hormone therapy. If the cause of the disorder is a tumor or lesion, radiation or surgical removal are treatment options. Successful removal may reverse the hypopituitarism. However, even after removal of the mass, hormone replacement therapy may still be necessary. |
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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