Hypopituitarism

Condition Description

Pituitary is the master gland that controls thyroid through TSH, adrenal thru ACTH, ovaries, testes thru FSH & LH and produces HGH (human growth hormone). In hypopituitarism one or more hormone deficiency may occur

Common Symptoms

• Symptoms will depend upon which hormone production is affected.
• If TSH is low, one may experience symptoms of low thyroid like fatigue, feeling excessively cold, cold hand, cold feet
• If ACTH is low patient may experience undue exhaustion, low blood pressure, postural dizziness
• If FSH and LH are low, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility or cessation of menses may occur in women. Men may experience reduced libido and infertility
• If HGH gets low person may experience fatigue, low concentration, low memory, weight gain, loss of axillary and pubic hair

Underlying Causes

There are multiple causes. These includez;

• Tumors like pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma
• Inflamatory causes like sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis
• Infections like meningitis, tuberculosis
• Ischemia like apoplexy, Sheehan syndrome. Other causes include radiation, head trauma, and autoimmune disease like lymphocytic hypophysitis

Traditional Approach

• It depends upon the cause and cause and secondary hormonal deficiencies it creates.
• Tumors may require surgery
• Adequate hormonal replacement

EHAC Approach

• Basically one has to follow the Traditional Approach: i.e. treat the cause and provide adequate hormonal replacement with natural hormones whenever possible