Hypopituitarism …and YOU! Your five minute look inside this disease of the anterior pituitary gland

The pituitary is a small bean-shaped gland located at the base of your brain, somewhat behind your nose and between your ears. Despite its size, this gland secretes hormones that influence nearly every part of your body.

Hypopituitarism is a disorder in which your pituitary gland fails to produce one or more of its hormones, or doesn't produce enough of them.

Hormones produced by the pituitary gland include: Growth hormone (GH). This hormone controls bone and tissue growth and maintains the appropriate balance of muscle and fat tissue. Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). By regulating urine production, this hormone manages water balance in your body. A deficiency of ADH results in a condition called diabetes insipidus, causing excess urination and thirst. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone stimulates your thyroid gland to produce key hormones that regulate your metabolism. Shortage of TSH results in an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

Luteinizing hormone (LH). In men, LH regulates testosterone production. In women, it fosters production of estrogen. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Working in tandem with LH, FSH helps stimulate sperm production in men, and egg development and ovulation in women. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone stimulates your adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones. Cortisol helps your body deal with stress and influences many body functions, affecting blood pressure, heart function and your immune system. Prolactin. This hormone regulates the development of female breasts, as well as the production of breast milk.

Causes Hypopituitarism is frequently triggered by a tumor of the pituitary gland. As pituitary tumors increase in size, they can compress and damage pituitary tissue, interfering with hormone production. A tumor can also compress the optic nerves, causing visual disturbances. “It’s not a tumor!”

The cause of hypopituitarism can also be due to other diseases and events such as: Head injuries Brain tumor Brain surgery Radiation treatment Autoimmune inflammation (hypophysitis) Stroke Infections of the brain, such as meningitis Tuberculosis

Signs and Symptoms Hypopituitarism is often progressive. Although the signs and symptoms can occur suddenly, usually they tend to develop gradually. They are sometimes vague and subtle and may be overlooked for many months or even years.

Signs and symptoms vary depending on which pituitary hormones are deficient. Fatigue Headaches Low tolerance for stress Muscle weakness Nausea Constipation Weight loss or gain A decline in appetite

Abdominal discomfort Sensitivity to cold or difficulty staying warm Visual disturbances Loss of underarm and pubic hair Joint stiffness Hoarseness Facial puffiness Thirst and excess urination Low blood pressure Lightheadedness when standing

There are treatments! Although hypopituitarism is rare, it is treatable! You'll likely need medications for the rest of your life, but your symptoms of hypopituitarism can be controlled.

The more you know….  T/F Hypopituitarism is caused by the pituitary gland producing an excess of hormones.  Name three hormones produced by the pituitary gland.  Identify four signs or symptoms of hypopituitarism.