Endo 2 - Hypersecretion of APG Hormones Flashcards
What is hyperpituitarism?
Symptoms associated with excess production of APG hormones
What can cause hyperpituitarism?
Pituitary tumour
Can also be ectopic (ectopic = non-endocrine tissue)
What is hyperpituitarism often associated with?
Visual field defects (& cranial nerve defects)
What is the optic chiasm?
The place where the fibres of the nasal retinae cross.
Compression of Optic chiasm = loss of temporal fields of vision
Excess ACTH (corticotrophin) can cause?
Cushings disease
Excess TSH (thyrotrophin) can cause?
Thyrotoxicosis
Excess LH/FSH (gonadotrophins) can cause?
Precocious puberty in children
Excess prolactin can cause?
Hyperprolactinaemia
Excess GH can cause?
Gigantism (children/teenagers) or acromegaly (adults)
Physiological reasons why prolactin may be high?
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pathological reasons why prolactin may be high?
Prolactinoma (micro adenoma in the pituitary - <10mm)
What is the most common functioning pituitary tumour?
Prolactinoma
What can high prolactin levels suppress?
High prolactin suppresses GnRH pulsatility - potentially causing secondary hypogonadism
How can hyperprolactinaemia present in women?
- Galactorrhoea (milk production outside of lactation)
- Secondary amenorrhoea (or oligomenorrhoea)
- Loss of libido
- Infertility
What is oligomenorrhoea?
Infrequent periods