Hypopituitarism in adults
What is hypopituitarism?
The pituitary gland produces many of the hormones that help you feel well. Hypopituitarism is a disorder in which all or part of the pituitary gland does not work as it should, possibly resulting in a lack of certain hormones. This may have a negative effect on the function of one or more of your body systems.
What causes hypopituitarism?
Several different conditions can lead to hypopituitarism. The most common cause in adults is a pituitary tumor. Other possible causes are brain tumors, radiation therapy, surgery involving the pituitary region, head injury, and other less common conditions.
Many hormones may be deficient in a person with hypopituitarism, including:
Growth hormone (GH) or somatotropin. Growth hormone is preoduced by the pituitary gland and is usually the first hormone to be missing in individuals with hypopituitarism.1 Among other things, growth hormone plays an important role in sustaining lean body mass (components of lean boy mass include: water, organ tissue, muscle mass and blood components), breaking down fat tissue in adults, and stimulating growth in children.
Gonadotropins (LH and FSH). These hormones have a number of roles, including stimulating the production of estrogen from the ovaries in women and testosterone from the testes in men.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone regulates the production of adrenal gland hormones, which influence how the body uses carbohydrates, fat and protein and how it maintains fluid balance.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which help regulate how the body uses energy.
Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone [ADH]). This hormone has a critical role acting on the kidneys to maintain proper fluid balance.
How do I know if I have hypopituitarism?
For more information on hypopituitarism and adult growth hormone deficiency, click here to view and print a pdf of the hypopituitarism patient handbook.
Reference:
- Bengtsson B-Å. The consequences of growth hormone defiency in adults. Acta Endocrinologica. 1993; 128:2-5.
