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Empty sella syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Treatment:

For primary empty sella syndrome:

• There is no specific treatment if pituitary function is normal.
• Medications such as bromocriptine, which lower prolactin levels, may be prescribed if the prolactin levels are high and interfering with function of the ovaries or testes .

For secondary empty sella syndrome:

• Treatment involves replacing the hormones that are lacking.

Expectations (prognosis):

Primary empty sella syndrome does not have adverse health consequences, and it does not alter life expectancy.

Complications:

Complications of primary empty sella syndrome include mild hyperprolactinemia.

Complications of secondary empty sella syndrome are related to the underlying cause of pituitary gland disease or to the effects of too little pituitary hormone.

Calling your health care provider:

Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of abnormal pituitary function, such as a disrupted menstrual cycle or impotence.

• Review Date: 10/25/2006
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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