Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland at the base of the brain fails to secrete one or more of its essential hormones, such as growth hormone (GH), thyrotropin (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle?stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin. When multiple hormones are under?produced the condition is termed panhypopituitarism.

Symptoms depend on which hormones are deficient and how severe the loss is. Common features include profound fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, cold intolerance, weight gain or loss, constipation, reduced exercise tolerance, low libido, and menstrual irregularities or infertility in women and men. In children, it can cause growth failure, delayed puberty, and developmental delays.

Hypopituitarism is often caused by pituitary tumors, surgery or radiation to the pituitary region, head trauma, brain infections, or autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, dynamic hormone?stimulation tests, and pituitary imaging. Treatment centers on lifelong hormone replacement—such as corticosteroids, levothyroxine, sex?hormone therapy, and sometimes growth hormone—tailored to the specific deficiencies and monitored by an endocrinologist.