3 Ways to Identify Hypopituitarism

1. Look for Common Symptoms of Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism, a medical condition in which the pituitary gland stops producing hormones, can cause a variety of severe symptoms. These include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, fatigue, headache, loss of body hair, low blood pressure, hypersensitivity to cold, visual disturbances or hallucinations, weakness and weight loss. With men, hypopituitarism can lead to a loss of sexual drive as well as a loss of facial hair. Women may experience an interruption in milk production, infertility and a cessation of menstrual periods.

If hypopituitarism is contracted during childhood, overall growth can be interrupted. Children who suffer from this condition may be smaller in stature than their peers. Sexual development may also fail to occur.

2. Identify Risk Factors That may Cause Hypopituitarism

Some medical conditions may put you at higher risk for developing hypopituitarism. If you have had brain surgery or have suffered from head trauma, then your pituitary gland may have been damaged. Tumors and aneurysms in the brain are also common causes of this condition. Sheehan's syndrome, which is a relatively rare complication during pregnancy, may also cause hypopituitarism in women.

3. Undergo Tests and Exams to Diagnose Hypopituitarism

Once symptoms of this condition are recognized, you should visit your doctor to confirm a diagnosis. Your doctor may start with a CT Scan or magnetic resonance imaging of your pituitary gland to detect irregularities. A battery of serum tests will be scheduled to measure levels of testosterone, ACTH, cortisol, estrogen and other hormones, as irregularities in pituitary hormone levels will affect all of the other hormones in your bloodstream. They will all be checked through blood tests.

Hypopituitarism is a lifelong condition, but it is not necessarily life threatening. If this condition is the result of a tumor on your pituitary gland, you may need to have surgery. Otherwise, this condition can be maintained through medication and hormone therapy.