4 Ways to Treat Hypopituitarism

1. Obtain a Proper Diagnosis for Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism, a condition caused by the lack of hormones from the pituitary gland, is a lifelong condition. Through proper treatment, however, you can lead a normal life and expect to live to a ripe old age. Early detection is the best strategy for the treatment of hypopituitarism. Your doctor can obtain an accurate diagnosis of this condition by first conducting a CT scan or MRI of your pituitary gland to detect damage or tumors. Additional serum blood tests will be performed to measure the levels of other hormones in your bloodstream, such as ACTH, estrogen and testosterone. A change in pituitary gland activity will affect all of the other hormone levels in your body.

2. Use Surgery to Address Tumors

Many cases of hypopituitarism are caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. If you have one of these tumors, you will need to have surgery to remove it before hormone treatment can begin. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with surgery to repair the gland and prevent the tumor from coming back.

3. Treat Your Hypopituitarism With Hormone Therapy

Once you have contracted this condition, you will need to be treated for it on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Since the level of your pituitary hormones affect all other hormone levels in your body, you will need to undergo hormone treatments to balance levels of ACTH, ADH, growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone. These hormone treatments are generally delivered through injections and monitored through blood tests.

4. Maintain Your Hormone Levels

To lead a healthy life, you will need to visit your doctor regularly to monitor hormone levels. You may have to take corticosteroids on a steady basis to balance the levels of cortisol in your system. In addition, you will need to up these dosages if you become ill, as low levels of cortisol can affect your immune system and cause life-threatening complications.