Panhypopituitarism is a rare disease that corresponds to the decrease or lack of production of several hormones due to the alteration in the pituitary gland, which is a gland located in the brain responsible for regulating several other glands in the body and thus lead to the production of hormones essential for the functioning of the body.
Lack of hormones can lead to several symptoms, such as weight loss, altered menstrual cycle, decreased height, excessive fatigue and fertility problems, for example. Thus, the main way to decrease the symptoms of panhypopituitarism is through hormone replacement, which should be done according to the guidance of the endocrinologist.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of panhypopituitarism depend on which hormones are not produced or are produced in less concentration, for example:
- Weight loss due to decreased thyroid hormones;
- Loss of appetite;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Mood changes;
- Difficulty becoming pregnant and deregulating the menstrual cycle due to decreased production of female sex hormones;
- Decreased milk production capacity in women;
- Decreased height and delayed puberty in children, since the production of growth hormone (GH) is compromised;
- Beard loss and fertility related problems in men due to decreased testosterone production and, consequently, sperm maturation.
From the symptoms described by the person and from laboratory tests aimed at the measurement of the hormones in the blood, the endocrinologist can conclude the diagnosis and indicate which medicines the person should take.
People with panhypopituitarism are more likely to develop diabetes insipidus, which is due to decreased production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which leads to increased blood glucose concentration due to decreased water concentration, and dehydration and Very thirst. Learn more about diabetes insipidus.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment is done according to the guidance of the endocrinologist and is done through hormone replacement through the use of medications. Because the pituitary gland controls the production of several hormones, it may be necessary for the person to have:
- ACTH, also called adrenocorticotrophic hormone or corticotrophin, is produced by the pituitary and stimulates the production of cortisol, which is a hormone responsible for controlling the response to stress and for allowing the physiological adaptation of the body to new situations. Understand what cortisol is for;
- TSH, also called thyroid stimulating hormone, is produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for stimulating the thyroid to produce T3 and T4 hormones, which play key roles in metabolism;
- LH, known as luteinizing hormone, which stimulates the production of testosterone in men and progesterone in women, and FSH, known as follicle stimulating hormone, that allows the regulation of sperm production and egg maturation. Thus, when there is decreased production of these hormones due to problems in the pituitary, for example, there is a decrease in the fertility of men and women besides hair loss and deregulation of the menstrual cycle, for example. Learn more about the FSH hormone;
- GH, known as growth hormone or somatotropin, is produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for the growth of children and adolescents, as well as aiding in the body's metabolic functions.
In addition, due to changes in mood due to hormonal changes, the physician may indicate the use of mild antidepressants and even anxiolytics to decrease symptoms related to sudden mood swings.
The doctor may also recommend the replacement of calcium and potassium, which are important minerals for various metabolic processes of the body, as some hormonal changes occur with a decrease in the concentration of these minerals in the blood.
Possible causes
The most common cause of panhypopituitarism is the tumor in the pituitary, which, depending on the stage of the tumor, may require removal of the pituitary. However, not always that there was tumor on the pituitary gland means that the person will suffer from panhypopituitarism, which only happens when the gland needs to be removed.
In addition, panhypopituitarism can occur due to infections that reach the brain, such as meningitis, for example, Simmonds syndrome, which is a congenital disease, or even be a consequence of the effects of radiation.
