What Causes Hypopituitarism?

Hypophysitis

Hypophysitis is a condition where the pituitary gland or pituitary stalk becomes inflamed. This can result in any degree of pituitary gland failure that manifests as hypopituitarism. It is believed hypophysitis occurs due to an abnormal response of the immune system that causes it to attack its own healthy pituitary tissues. This attack causes a decrease in the production of several hormones that are the responsibility of the pituitary gland. Often, there will be a reduction in the production of the antidiuretic hormone that results in symptoms such as increased urination and excessive thirst. Another commonly affected hormone in patients with hypophysitis is the thyroid-stimulation hormone. A decrease in the production of this hormone will result in symptoms such as constipation, sensitivity to cold, muscle weakness, decreased energy, weight gain, and constipation. Some cases of hypophysitis will cause a decrease in nearly all of the hormones the pituitary gland is responsible for producing. Such cases will be difficult to diagnose because hypophysitis and the resulting hypopituitarism will produce various symptoms due to the malfunction of numerous glands throughout the body.

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