The pituitary gland produces several important hormones that control a number of processes in the body. Hypopituitarism occurs when your child’s pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones. Hypopituitarism is a life-long condition, but it can be managed with treatment. Hypopituitarism may develop slowly or it may be sudden and can affect:
- Growth
- Metabolism
- Blood pressure
Causes
Often, the exact cause of hypopituitarism is unknown. In some cases, the cause is congenital. Hypopituitarism can also be caused by:
- Injury to the brain
- Benign tumor or cancer
- Infection
- Autoimmune disorder
Symptoms of Hypopituitarism
Symptoms vary depending on which hormones are affected, but may include:
- Slow growth
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Low appetite
- Low blood sugar
- Cold sensitivity
- Swelling in the face
- Late or no puberty
- Jaundice at birth
- Small penis size in a newborn
Diagnosis and Treatment at UVA
At UVA, your child’s doctor may perform or recommend:
- Blood tests
- CT Scan
- MRI
- X-ray
Treatment will depend on the cause of the hypopituitarism. Treatment may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Surgery or radiation, if a tumor is the cause