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Highlights & Basics
- Hypopituitarism is a deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones (e.g., adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, gonadotropins).
- There are numerous possible causes, of which pituitary adenoma (also known as pituitary neuroendocrine tumor [PitNET]) is the most frequent in adults.
- Presentation of hypopituitarism varies depending on the cause, but common symptoms include headaches, amenorrhea, visual changes, and galactorrhea.
- Treatment depends on correction of the underlying cause. Where causes are not correctable, treatment focuses on replacing the target hormones.
- Patients who require cortisol for adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency require increased dosage in times of stress (such as infection, trauma, and surgery).
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
Fleseriu M, Christ-Crain M, Langlois F, et al. Hypopituitarism. Lancet. 2024 Jun 15;403(10444):2632-48.[Abstract]
Freda PU, Beckers AM, Katznelson L, et al. Pituitary incidentaloma: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Apr;96(4):894-904.[Abstract][Full Text]
Fleseriu M, Hashim IA, Karavitaki N, et al. Hormonal replacement in hypopituitarism in adults: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Oct 13;101(11):3888-921.[Abstract][Full Text]
Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018 May 1;103(5):1715-44.[Abstract][Full Text]
Yuen KCJ, Biller BMK, Radovick S, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology guidelines for management of growth hormone deficiency in adults and patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Endocr Pract. 2019 Nov;25(11):1191-232.[Abstract][Full Text]
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