Pituitary Hormone Deficiencies

Question 1

Causes of hypopituitarism, from most to least common:

Answer 1

Tumors, vascular infarct, lymphocytic hypophysitis, hypothalamic

Question 2

Sheehan Syndrome

Answer 2

Occurs after postpartum hemorrhage w/ drop in BP → infarct

Question 3

Lymphocytic hypophysitis

Answer 3

Autoimmune disorder most common in women during pregnancy / postpartum.

Question 4

Sxs / signs of hypopituitarism broken down by hormone

Answer 4

• GH: weakness, growth failure, wrinkled skin, adiposity
• TSH: fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, constipation, hypothermia, bradycardia, cold intolerance, hyporeflexia, hoarseness, scant lateral eyebrows
• ACTH: pallor, hypotension, hypoglycemia
• LH / FSH: hair loss, erectile dysfunction, small testes, reduced libido, infertility / amenorrhea, vaginal dryness / atrophy
• PRL: reduced lactation
• Others: headache, visual disturbance

Question 5

Which 2 hormones are life-threatening if low?

Answer 5

Cortisol and TH

Question 6

Sxs of adrenal crisis

Answer 6

Fatigue, orthostatis, stomach pain, vascular tone loss (hypotension), hypoglycemia

Question 7

4 sxs of low cortisol

Answer 7

Orthostatic hypotension, weight loss, low appetite, fever

Question 8

5 sxs of low GH

Answer 8

Small stature, dyslipidemia, central obesity, protein breakdown, increased CV risk.