Hypopituitarism Overview

Tampa General Hospital’s industry-leading Pituitary Tumor Center offers treatment for hypopituitarism, a relatively rare condition that occurs when the pituitary gland produces insufficient amounts of one or more hormones. The pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ located behind the nose, near the base of the brain. It’s connected to the hypothalamus (the section of the brain that manages hormones and controls the autonomic nervous system) through a collection of blood vessels and nerves known as the pituitary stalk.

The pituitary gland is responsible for producing, storing and releasing hormones that monitor and regulate certain bodily functions, including:

  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone – stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol to maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels
  • Antidiuretic hormone – regulates sodium and water levels
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone – stimulates sperm production in men, as well as estrogen production and egg development in women
  • Growth hormone – stimulates growth in children and affects bones, fat distribution, metabolism and muscles in adults
  • Luteinizing hormone – stimulates testosterone production in men and ovulation in women
  • Oxytocin – supports childbirth and lactation and encourages bonding between parents and children
  • Prolactin – affects fertility, lactation, menstruation and sexual function
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone – stimulates the thyroid to produce hormones that regulate energy, metabolism and the nervous system

A deficiency of one or more of these pituitary hormones can support a hypopituitarism diagnosis.

Types of Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism is classified into one of the following three types depending on how many pituitary hormones are affected:

  • Isolated pituitary deficiency, where only one pituitary hormone is lacking
  • Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, where at least two pituitary hormones are lacking
  • Panhypopituitarism, where all pituitary hormones are lacking

Causes and Risk Factors of Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism can be caused by damage to or a disorder of the pituitary gland (primary hypopituitarism) or the hypothalamus (secondary hypopituitarism). For example, someone may develop hypopituitarism when:

  • Something exerts pressure on the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (e.g., a brain tumor, hypothalamus sarcoidosis, lymphocytic hypophysitis, a pituitary adenoma or pituitary sarcoidosis)
  • Something damages the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (e.g., a traumatic brain injury, pituitary apoplexy, radiation therapy or surgery)
  • They have a related medical condition (e.g., bacterial meningitis, hereditary hemochromatosis or certain genetic mutations)

In some cases, medical providers cannot determine exactly what caused hypopituitarism to develop (idiopathic hypopituitarism).

Hypopituitarism affects individuals of all ages, but you might have an especially high risk of developing this condition if you:

  • Have sickle cell anemia, Type 1 diabetes or certain genetic mutations
  • Previously experienced a traumatic brain injury
  • Previously underwent radiation therapy
  • Are pregnant or recently gave birth

Signs and Symptoms of Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism symptoms can vary from one person to another based on age, sex, what caused the deficiency, how quickly the deficiency is occurring and which pituitary hormone(s) are deficient.

Symptoms of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Deficiency

Low levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone can cause low blood sugar, seizures, yellowing skin (jaundice) and failure to thrive in newborns. Children and adults with this deficiency may experience fatigue, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss and confusion.

Symptoms of Antidiuretic Hormone Deficiency

Antidiuretic hormone deficiency can cause newborns to have a fever, vomit, have excessively wet diapers, be constipated, lose weight and cry. Children with this deficiency often get tired easily, wet the bed and struggle with potty training. Adults may be thirsty, urinate frequently and have imbalanced electrolyte levels.

Symptoms of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone & Luteinizing Hormone Deficiencies

Insufficient levels of follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone can cause abnormally small penises and undescended testicles in male newborns. Children may not have the growth spurt normally experienced during puberty, which may include a lack of testicular growth in boys and a lack of breast development in girls. Adult men may experience fatigue, reduced facial and body hair, a low sex drive, erectile dysfunction and infertility, while adult women may have fatigue, hot flashes, irregular periods, decreased pubic hair, a reduced sex drive and infertility (women who just gave birth may also experience reduced breast milk production).

Symptoms of Growth Hormone Deficiency

Growth hormone deficiency can cause low blood sugar levels in newborns, as well as abnormally small penises in male newborns. Children may experience slowed growth, a short height and delayed sexual development, while adults may have fatigue, an increased amount of body fat (especially around the waist), reduced muscle mass, increased heat and cold sensitivity, decreased strength and stamina during exercise, a low sex drive, impaired sexual function and a decreased sense of well-being.

Symptoms of Oxytocin Deficiency

Low levels of oxytocin can make it difficult to empathize and interact with others. New parents may have a hard time bonding with their baby and new mothers could experience insufficient breast milk production.

Symptoms of Prolactin Deficiency

Prolactin deficiency can make it difficult for new mothers to produce enough breast milk after giving birth.

Symptoms of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Deficiency

Insufficient levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone can cause newborns to have a low body temperature, a hoarse cry, reduced muscle tone and a bulging stomach. Children and adults may experience fatigue, depression, muscle weakness, thinning hair, dry skin, constipation, unexplained weight gain and increased cold sensitivity. Women may notice irregular or heavy periods.

Diagnosing Hypopituitarism

If a medical provider suspects that you have hypopituitarism, they may order one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

Hypopituitarism Treatment

Researchers are still working to identify a cure for hypopituitarism, but treatments are available that can help manage the condition. The recommended course of treatment can vary from one patient to another depending on which pituitary hormone(s) are deficient and what is causing that deficiency. With that said, hypopituitarism treatment often involves:

TGH’s Approach to Treating Hypopituitarism

If you’re experiencing the hypopituitarism symptoms described above, you can feel confident turning to our Pituitary Tumor Center for treatment. We’re part of Tampa General Hospital’s renowned Neuroscience Institute, which U.S. News & World Report included in the top 10% of hospitals for Neurology & Neurosurgery nationwide for 2024-25. Plus, we employ a multidisciplinary team, hold monthly pituitary conferences and use some of the latest treatments and technologies available to offer patients the best possible outcome. Call us today at (800) 822-3627 to schedule a consultation at our Tampa, FL, treatment center.