Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 253.2      ICD10: E23.0      ICD11: 5A61.0

Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain, doesn't produce enough of one or more of its hormones.
The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it controls the function of many other hormone-secreting glands in the body, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads (ovaries or testes).

Think of it like this: The pituitary gland is the conductor of an orchestra (your endocrine system). If the conductor isn't doing their job properly, the entire orchestra will be out of tune.

What hormones are affected?

The pituitary gland produces several vital hormones, and hypopituitarism can affect one or more of them. The most common affected hormones include:

Growth hormone (GH): Important for growth and development, metabolism, and maintaining muscle mass.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, which regulates metabolism, blood pressure, and the immune system.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy levels, and growth.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Control the production of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and are essential for reproduction.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (also called vasopressin): Helps the kidneys regulate water balance.
Prolactin: Stimulates milk production after childbirth.

Causes of Hypopituitarism:

Hypopituitarism can result from various factors, including:

Tumors: Pituitary tumors are the most common cause. They can directly damage pituitary cells or compress the gland, interfering with hormone production. Non-pituitary tumors near the pituitary can also cause problems.
Surgery or radiation therapy: Treatment for pituitary or brain tumors can damage the pituitary gland.
Head injury: Traumatic brain injury can damage the pituitary gland.
Infections: Infections like meningitis or encephalitis can damage the pituitary gland.
Bleeding in the pituitary gland (pituitary apoplexy): Often associated with a pituitary tumor.
Inflammatory diseases: Conditions like sarcoidosis or histiocytosis can damage the pituitary gland.
Genetic disorders: Some genetic conditions can cause hypopituitarism.
Stroke: A stroke affecting the pituitary gland.
Sheehan's syndrome: This occurs in women who experience severe blood loss during childbirth, which can damage the pituitary gland.
Idiopathic hypopituitarism: In some cases, the cause of hypopituitarism is unknown.

Symptoms of Hypopituitarism:

The symptoms of hypopituitarism vary depending on which hormones are deficient and the severity of the deficiency. Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Some common symptoms include:

Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
Weight loss or weight gain
Low blood pressure
Headaches
Vision problems
Loss of body hair
Decreased libido
Infertility
Irregular or absent menstrual periods (in women)
Erectile dysfunction (in men)
Sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Growth retardation (in children)
Mental confusion

Diagnosis of Hypopituitarism:

Diagnosis typically involves:

Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Blood tests: To measure hormone levels in the blood.
Stimulation tests: These tests help assess the pituitary gland's ability to respond to certain stimuli and produce hormones.
Imaging tests: MRI or CT scans of the brain can help identify tumors or other abnormalities in the pituitary gland.

Treatment of Hypopituitarism:

Treatment usually involves hormone replacement therapy. This means taking medications to replace the hormones that the pituitary gland is not producing. For example:

Growth hormone replacement: Given by injection, especially for children with growth hormone deficiency. May also be used in adults.
Corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone or prednisone): Replace cortisol for ACTH deficiency.
Levothyroxine: Replaces thyroid hormone for TSH deficiency.
Sex hormone replacement: Testosterone for men, estrogen and progesterone for women.
Desmopressin (DDAVP): A synthetic form of ADH for ADH deficiency.

If a tumor is causing the hypopituitarism, surgery, radiation therapy, or medication may be needed to treat the tumor.

Why is it important to treat Hypopituitarism?

Left untreated, hypopituitarism can lead to serious complications, including:

Adrenal crisis: A life-threatening condition caused by severe cortisol deficiency.
Hypothyroidism: Caused by thyroid hormone deficiency.
Diabetes insipidus: Caused by ADH deficiency.
Infertility
Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Decreased quality of life

Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose and treat hypopituitarism promptly to prevent complications and improve overall health and well-being. If you suspect you have hypopituitarism, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.