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Hypopituitarism

Alternative Names:

Pituitary insufficiency

Treatment:

If hypopituitarism is caused by a tumor, treatment by surgical removal, with or without radiation therapy, may be indicated. Replacement of deficient hormones is often required even after successful treatment of a pituitary tumor.

Hormone therapy is needed to replace hormones that are no longer made by the organs under the control of the pituitary gland. These may include corticosteroids (cortisol), thyroid hormone, sex hormones ( testosterone for men and estrogen for women), and growth hormone. Drugs are also available to treat associated infertility in men and women.

Expectations (prognosis):

Hypopituitarism is usually permanent and requires life-long treatment; however, a normal life span can be expected.

Complications:

Side effects of drug therapy can develop.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of hypopituitarism develop.

Review Date: 5/12/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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