5 Ways to Prevent Hypopituitarism

1. Undergo Testing for Early Detection

In many cases, there is no way to prevent hypopituitarism, a medical condition that stops the creation of hormones in the pituitary gland. However, through testing and early detection, some risk factors for hypopituitarism may be successfully treated with hormone therapy, surgery or radiation therapy. If these hormonal imbalances can be treated early enough, hypopituitarism may be prevented. Testing for hypopituitarism also includes CT scans and MRIs of the pituitary gland in addition to blood work.

2. Know the Risk Factors for Hypopituitarism

If you have had radiation therapy, brain surgery or a stroke, you may be at risk for developing this condition. Any type of head injury or trauma may also cause damage to the pituitary gland, interrupting hormone production. A rare complication of pregnancy, known as Sheehan's syndrome, may also cause hypopituitarism.

3. Use Surgery or Hormone Therapy to Treat a Pituitary Gland Tumor

Hypopituitarism may be caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. If a tumor is discovered through a CT Scan or an MRI, the decision must be made by you and your physician to remove it surgically or to retard its growth through hormone therapy. Early detection is again the key to success, and catching the tumor in time will increase your chances of preventing hypopituitarism.

4. Beware of Metabolic or Immune System Diseases That Cause Hypopituitarism

Some metabolic conditions or immune system diseases can also put you at risk for developing hypopituitarism. These conditions include hemochromatosis (which affects iron metabolism in the body), histiocytosis X (which causes the immune system to fight the body instead of infections) and sarcoidosis (which causes inflammation in the lungs, eyes, lymph nodes, liver and other tissue of the body). If you contract any of these conditions, you should have your doctor monitor your hormone levels during and immediately after treatment to determine whether hormone therapy is needed to prevent hypopituitarism.

5. Know the Early Signs and Symptoms of Hypopituitarism

Since the only way to prevent this condition is through early tests and detection, you should watch for the common symptoms of hypopituitarism in its early stages and contact your doctor immediately for hormone testing if they arise. These symptoms include a decrease in appetite and sex drive, loss of body hair, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, low blood pressure, excessive sensitivity to cold, weight loss, weakness and visual disturbances. Women may experience additional symptoms, such as a cessation of milk production and menstrual cycles. Children who have stopped growing may be suffering from this condition as well.