Hypopituitarism is when you have a short supply (deficiency) of one or more of the pituitary hormones. These hormone deficiencies can affect any number of your body's routine functions, such as growth, blood pressure or reproduction.
Hypopituitarism is defined as a condition in which the pituitary gland is unable to produce enough hormones. Under-secretion of pituitary hormones affects reproduction, body growth and blood pressure. It also results in pre-mature aging.
The pituitary gland is a small bean-shaped gland situated at the base of your brain, behind your nose and between your ears. Despite its size, this gland secretes hormones that influence nearly every part of your body.
In hypopituitarism, you have a short supply of one or more of these pituitary hormones. This deficiency can affect any number of your body's routine functions, such as growth, blood pressure and reproduction.
Causes of Hypopituitarism
Hypopituitarism in children may be caused by:
- A genetic condition that affects the development of either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus (a part of the brain that sends signals to the pituitary)
- Pituitary tumors or other tumors that infringe on either the pituitary or the hypothalamus
- Radiation to the head
- A head injury
- An infection
- An autoimmune process
symptoms of Hypopituitarism
The symptoms of hypopituitarism will vary depending on two things: which hormones are lacking, and your child’s age.
- A small penis in a newborn boy
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Slow growth
- Short height
- Late or no sexual maturity
- Yellow tint to skin and eyes (jaundice) at birth
- Low appetite
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Puffy face
- Severe headache and double vision if the injury to the pituitary is sudden
Testing and diagnosis
The symptoms of several underactive glands may help your child's doctor diagnose hypopituitarism. In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnostic procedures for hypopituitarism may include:
- Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan). A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
- Blood tests. Blood tests are used to measure hormone levels.
- Bone X-rays of the hand. X-rays of the left hand and wrist will determine bone age, which is often delayed compared with chronologic age in children with hypopituitarism
