Hypopituitarism: clinical features, diagnosis, and management

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2008 Mar;37(1):235-61, x. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2007.10.004.

Abstract

Hypopituitarism is characterized by loss of function of the anterior pituitary gland. It is a rare condition that can present at any age and is caused by pathology of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis or one of many gene mutations. The symptoms and signs of hypopituitarism may evolve over several years and be nonspecific or related to the effects of the underlying disease process or to hormone deficiencies. Investigation of patients requires a combination of basal hormone levels and dynamic function tests; management requires regular monitoring. The goal of physicians managing patients who have hypopituitarism is to improve their health and long-term outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypopituitarism* / diagnosis
  • Hypopituitarism* / pathology
  • Hypopituitarism* / therapy
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / pathology
  • Pituitary Gland, Anterior / pathology
  • Pituitary Hormones, Anterior / physiology
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / pathology

Substances

  • Pituitary Hormones, Anterior