Hypopituitarism

A disorder where the pituitary gland does not produce enough of the many hormones it is responsible for.

Hypopituitarism is a condition where your pituitary gland does not produce enough of one or more hormones it is responsible for

Symptoms

  • Stomach pain, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, and constipation
  • Excessive thirst and urination
  • Fatigue and/or weakness
  • Anemia, meaning weakness from not having enough red blood cells
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Stiffness in the joints
  • In women: loss of armpit or pubic hair, decreased sex drive, infertility, problems with breast feeding, irregular or no menstrual periods, and hot flashes
  • In men: loss of hair (on the face, or in the armpits or pubic area), decreased sex drive, infertility
  • In children, problems with growth (including height) and sexual development

Treatment for hypopituitarism often includes taking the hormones that are missing, sometimes as a lifelong therapy. If the disorder is caused by a tumor surgery to remove the tumor may be recommended.

Resources

The pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it is responsible for so many processes in the body by stimulating other glands.