What are the symptoms of hypopituitarism?
Mar 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, hypopituitarism may lead to symptoms such as growth and developmental disorders, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, adrenal cortical insufficiency, headache, and visual impairments. In daily life, one should avoid head trauma to prevent damage to the pituitary gland. When engaging in sports or working in potentially hazardous environments, it is important to take proper precautions to protect the head, such as wearing a safety helmet.
Generally, hypopituitarism may present symptoms such as growth and development disorders, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, adrenal cortical insufficiency, headache, and visual impairments. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Growth and Development Disorders
When the condition develops during childhood or adolescence, it can affect the secretion of growth hormone, leading to growth retardation and short stature. The child's height increases significantly slower than peers, with delayed skeletal development, infantile facial features inconsistent with actual age.
2. Hypogonadism
Due to insufficient secretion of gonadotropins, normal gonadal function is affected. Adult males may experience reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased sperm count and quality, which can affect fertility. Adult females may develop menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, infertility, and may also experience breast atrophy, loss of pubic and axillary hair.
3. Hypothyroidism
Reduced secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland leads to hypothyroidism. Patients often experience cold intolerance, fatigue, somnolence, memory loss, slow reaction time, dry and rough skin, and sparse hair. Basal metabolic rate decreases, reducing body heat production, thus causing increased cold sensitivity. Additionally, slowed metabolism can lead to weight gain and constipation.
4. Adrenal Cortical Insufficiency
Insufficient secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) can cause adrenal cortical insufficiency. Patients may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and are prone to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemic symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and sweating may occur during fasting or after exertion. In severe cases, syncope may even occur.
5. Headache and Visual Impairment
If pituitary dysfunction is caused by lesions such as tumors, as the tumor grows, it may compress surrounding tissues, causing headaches. When the tumor compresses the optic nerve or optic chiasm, patients may experience vision loss, visual field defects, and may notice a reduced visual field or blurred and double vision.
In daily life, head trauma should be avoided to prevent damage to the pituitary gland. Protective measures such as wearing helmets should be taken during sports or when engaging in potentially hazardous work.
