Symptoms:

Symptoms of primary empty sella syndrome include:

• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Irregular or absent menstruation
• Low sexual desire (low libido)
• Occasional symptoms resulting from high prolactin levels

Often, there are no symptoms or loss of pituitary function.

Patients with secondary empty sella syndrome may have symptoms caused by partial or complete loss of pituitary gland function. For more information, see hypopituitarism.

Tests of pituitary gland function may be done to make sure that the gland is working normally. Sometimes tests for high pressure in the brain will be done, such as:

• Examination of the retina by an ophthalmologist
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

Signs and tests:

Primary empty sella syndrome is most often discovered during radiological imaging of the brain. Pituitary function is usually normal.

The hormone prolactin is a little high in a small percentage of patients, and may interfere with normal function of the testicles or ovaries.

The health care provider may test pituitary gland function to make sure that the gland is working normally.