Hypopituitarism
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Hypopituitarism is a condition where your pituitary gland does not make enough hormones. The pituitary gland is found under the middle part of your brain. Your pituitary gland makes and releases hormones such as prolactin, growth hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone. It also controls the amount of hormones that other glands make and release in your body.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
Intake and output
may be measured. Healthcare providers will keep track of the amount of liquid you are getting. They also may need to know how much you are urinating. Ask healthcare providers if they need to measure or collect your urine.
Weight:
You may be weighed each day. Healthcare providers compare your weight from day to day to record how much body fluid you have.
Medicines:
Medicines are given to replace hormones that are low. They may be given as a pill, injection, or skin patch.
Tests:
- Blood and urine tests check hormone levels and get information about your overall health.
- A CT scan , or CAT scan, is a type of x-ray that is taken of your brain. Healthcare providers use the pictures to look at tissue and blood vessels, and check for a brain tumor. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see the pictures better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
- An MRI takes pictures of your brain to show if you have a tumor or other problems. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see the pictures better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
- Hormone challenge tests are done to check if your hypothalamus, pituitary, and other glands are working properly.
- Water deprivation test measures how much ACTH or ADH you have in your body. You will be told not to drink liquids for a certain amount of time. Your urine will be measured every 2 hours and your blood will be checked every hour.
Treatment:
You may be given IV fluids to increase your blood pressure and correct your body's fluid balance.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
- Treatment may increase your risk of heart problems and breast, prostate, colon, or blood cancers. It may also increase your risk of bone fractures or bone loss. Your brain, nerves, or blood vessels may be damaged during surgery. Surgery may also increase your risk for bleeding or an infection. After surgery, you may have headaches, or weakness in some parts of your body.
- If hypopituitarism is not treated, your symptoms will get worse. You may have an increased risk of diabetes, heart problems, and weak bones. You may have an increased risk of a stroke or memory loss. Hypopituitarism may increase your risk of a coma and become life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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