What is hypopituitarism?
Hypopituitarism occurs when your pituitary gland cannot produce the right level of specific hormones. Your pituitary gland sits at the base of your brain. The size of a kidney bean, your pituitary gland creates hormones that affect the function of your thyroid glands, adrenal glands, ovaries, or testes.
People with hypopituitarism cannot make enough hormones to trigger essential bodily functions. These include growth, reproduction, and blood pressure.
What causes hypopituitarism?
Numerous things can alter the way your pituitary gland works. Some examples include:
- Losing too much blood during childbirth
- Pituitary tumors
- Radiation treatment
- Certain infections
- Inflammation of the pituitary gland
- Pituitary surgery
- Traumatic brain injury
In some cases, the exact cause of hypopituitarism is indeterminable.
How do I know if I have hypopituitarism?
There are many signs and symptoms of altered pituitary gland function. Some things to keep an eye out for include:
- Muscle ache
- Headache and dizziness
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Stomach problems, including constipation, nausea, and vomiting
- Sensitivity to cold
- Anemia
- Fatigue or weakness
Because so many of these symptoms are linked to other health conditions, working with a skilled endocrinologist like those on staff at Arkangel Endocrinology & Diabetes is the best way to find answers and begin a path toward relief.
How is hypopituitarism treated?
Once your provider determines the source of your symptoms, they devise a treatment plan that works to help you function at your very best. You may need to supplement the hormones that hypopituitarism leaves lacking.
Supplementation may be necessary for the rest of your life, but you can incorporate it into a healthy lifestyle. It takes time to find the right supplementation levels, but your provider works closely with you to reach the best possible hormonal balance. They value their role as your partner in achieving the highest possible quality of life.
If you have a tumor that is causing your symptoms, surgical removal can be an effective treatment plan. Radiation therapy can help shrink the tumor. Your provider explains the details of each treatment option in detail, giving you everything you need to make an informed decision about your care.
Begin that process by booking a personalized hypopituitarism consultation with the team at Arkangel Endocrinology & Diabetes. You can schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
