Hypopituitarism – Hormonal Disorder

By Super Admin

Thursday, June 16, 2011, 17:11

What is hypopituitarism ?
Hypopituitarism otherwise called as pituitary insufficiency refers to the low levels of circulating pituitary hormones. The clinical features of hypopituitarism are those of pituitary hormonal defeciency

What causes hypopituitarism?

1.Pituitary tumors
2.Radiotherapy
3.Inflammation called Hypophysitis
4.Invasion of the gland ( Sarcoidosis, haemochromatosis)
5.Empty sella syndrome

What are the necessary investigations?

1.Baseline hormone levels -
Both basal concentrations of the pituitary hormones and the, target hormone levels are to be measured, as it may remain within the target range despite low target hormone levels.

1.LH, FSH, Oestradiol, Testosterone
2.TSH and free T4
3.8 am cortisol
4.Prolactin

2.Dynamic testing

1.Insulin tolerance test
2.Short synacthen test
3.hCG stimulation test
4.Clonodine test.

What is the treatment?

1.Adequate and appropriate replacement of the deficient pituitary hormones - At present we can replace all the hormones and quality of life can be put back to normal

2.Treatment of the cause

3.Hypopituitarism is usually permanent and requires life-long treatment & monitoring.