Underactive pituitary (hypopituitarism)

Overview

The pituitary controls other glands, so a problem can lower thyroid, adrenal, sex, or growth hormones.

Causes include tumors, surgery, radiation, and head injury.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tiredness

Less common

• Low sex drive
• Missed periods
• Feeling cold
• Weight changes

Look up a symptom: Always feeling cold · Fatigue · Low sex drive · Missed or late period

When to get medical care

Causes

Tumors, injury.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• People with a pituitary tumor: The most common cause
• People after brain surgery, radiation, or head injury: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Adrenal crisis: An emergency if cortisol is too low
• Osteoporosis (bone loss): From low hormones

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Hormone tests:
• MRI:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Wear a medical ID if you take steroid replacement

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People after brain surgery or head injury: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Replacement hormones work well.

Hormone pills help.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Which hormones do I need?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Underactive pituitary (hypopituitarism)