Pituitary insufficiency, also called hypopituitarism, is a deficiency in the production of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, the endocrine gland in the brain, which is responsible for the production of many hormones.

What is pituitary insufficiency?

Definition of pituitary insufficiency

Pituitary insufficiency, also called hypopituitarism, is characterized by a deficiency of one or more hormone (s) produced by thepituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland (which secretes hormones), located in the brain. The neurohypophysis is located in the posterior part of the brain, while the adenohypophysis is located in the anterior part.

An increased risk of mortality is associated with pituitary insufficiency. This is due in particular to a deficiency of the hormone corticotrophin (ACTH), produced in insufficient amounts by the pituitary gland.

The development of hypopituitarism can be acute or insidious and affects, in the majority of cases, adults. The underlying causes are, generally, the presence of an adenoma in the pituitary gland, drug treatment following pituitary gland surgery or as part of radiotherapy.

The diagnosis of this deficiency in the activity of the pituitary gland is usually based on the analysis of a blood sample, following stimulation of the thyroid (a gland which also produces hormones).

Treatments exist within the framework of the management of this pathology: hydrocortisone, steroids, growth hormones or even desmopressin. These treatments can also vary and evolve according to the period of life (in adolescence, a period of significant changes in the individual, or even in the context of pregnancy).

Hypopituitarism can impact anyone, of any age.

The origin of the disease can be mutations in genes coding for the development and functions of this gland which is the pituitary gland.

The clinical signs of pituitary insufficiency are similar to dysfunctions in the activities of the organism, in which hormones produced by the pituitary gland play a considerable role.

The causes of pituitary insufficiency

The causes of pituitary insufficiency can be found in mutations in genes coding for the development of the pituitary gland or in its role as an endocrine gland.

Pituitary gland surgery, an adenoma (benign tumor) of the pituitary gland or certain treatments, such as radiotherapy, can also be the source of pituitary insufficiency.

Who is affected by pituitary insufficiency?

Each person can be affected by an insufficiency of the pituitary gland. In addition, adults are more affected than children.

Symptoms and treatments for pituitary insufficiency

Symptoms of pituitary insufficiency

Symptoms and clinical signs, relating to pituitary insufficiency, usually develop gradually and may be different depending on the patient.

benefits more general signs can identify with:

• a pallor ;
• an emotional indifference, theapathy ;
• a slowness of speech ;
• a hair loss consequent;

Cortisol deficiency can also be the cause of asthenia (intense fatigue and throughout the day), by visible weight loss and for no other underlying reason, a arterial hypotension, hypoglycémies, or even a reduction in pubic pillosity.

It is remarkable that all of these symptoms may go unnoticed at first and may go unnoticed in times of stress.

Finally, other consequences on the body may also be visible: fine hair and thin skin, amenorrhea in women, impuberism, decreased libido in men, etc.

A deficiency in hormones allowing the regulation of nutritional intake can also lead to: a decrease in muscle mass in favor of fat mass, inducing an increased risk of overweight and obesity.

A delay in the growth of the child may also be visible.

At the biological level, the results of a blood test may highlight:

• hypercholesterolemia;
• a anemia ;
• hypoglycemia;

Risk factors for pituitary insufficiency

Other than the attribution of a genetic mutation, a surgical intervention of the pituitary gland, an adenoma or radiotherapy, may be risk factors for the development of pituitary insufficiency.

Treatment of pituitary insufficiency

This pathology can be treated with hormonal supplements such as:

• of the steroids ;
• of the growth hormone ;
• of the cortisols ;