User:Mr. Ibrahem/Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism is the decreased secretion of one or more of the eight hormones normally produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Symptoms vary, depending on which hormones are involved and on the underlying cause. These may include adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, GH deficiency, ADH deficiency, vision loss, and headaches. Onset can be gradual or sudden.

Causes include pituitary tumors (60%), tumors near the pituitary, pituitary apoplexy, traumatic brain injury, pituitary surgery or radiation therapy, and hypophysitis. In about 10% of cases the cause is unknown. Diagnosis is often based on blood tests looking at hormone levels and medical imaging. The deficiency of one hormone is known as selective hypopituitarism while if most or all are decreased, the term panhypopituitarism is used.

Treatment in part depends on the underlying cause. Most hormones can be replaced by tablets or injections such as with thyroxine, hydrocortisone, sex steroids, growth hormone, or desmopressin. If of sudden onset, rapid cortisol replacement is key. While it is associated with an increased risk of death, outcomes are usually good with treatment.

Hypopituitarism is estimated to affect 1 in 2,000 people in Spain. It may also be underdiagnosed in people with previous traumatic brain injury. The condition was first described in 1914 by the German physician Morris Simmonds.