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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffHypopituitarism is often progressive. Although the signs and symptoms can occur suddenly, usually they tend to develop gradually. They are sometimes vague and subtle and may be overlooked for many months or even years.
Signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism vary, depending on which pituitary hormones are deficient. The signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Low tolerance for stress
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Weight loss or gain
- A decline in appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
- Sensitivity to cold or difficulty staying warm
- Visual disturbances
- Loss of underarm and pubic hair
- Joint stiffness
- Hoarseness
- Facial puffiness
- Thirst and excess urination
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness when standing
If you're a man, you may also have signs and symptoms such as:
- Loss of interest in sexual activity
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in facial or body hair
If you're a woman, you may develop:
- Irregular or no menstrual periods
- Infertility
- Inability to produce milk for breast-feeding
Children may experience:
- Stunted growth
- Short stature
- Slowed sexual development
When to see a doctor
If you develop signs and symptoms associated with hypopituitarism, see your doctor to determine the cause.
Also, if certain signs or symptoms of hypopituitarism develop suddenly — a severe headache or visual disturbances, confusion, or a drop in blood pressure — contact your doctor immediately. Such symptoms could represent sudden bleeding into the pituitary (pituitary apoplexy), which requires prompt medical attention.
- Hypopituitarism. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/hormone/912.html. Accessed August 1, 2008.
- Snyder PJ. Diagnosis of hypopituitarism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed August 1, 2008.
- Hypopituitarism. Merck Manual. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec13/ch162/ch162c.html. Accessed August 1, 2008.
- Snyder PJ. Treatment of hypopituitarism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html.Accessed August 1, 2008.
