Guidelines for patients with the hypothalamo-pituitary disorders; School for patients

Abstract

In the previous issue, we talked about the structure and functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, as well as the need to create schools to help patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders. Today we want to focus on the manifestations of pituitary hormone deficiency and the basic principles of treatment of this pathology. Lack of pituitary hormones If the pituitary gland does not produce certain hormones or produces them in small quantities, then this condition is called hypopituitarism. Most often, this condition occurs due to the presence of a benign (i.e., non-cancerous) tumor of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. If a person has a pituitary tumor, it can lead to a decrease in its functions by direct pressure of the tumor mass on the healthy part of the pituitary gland or as a result of surgical treatment or irradiation of the tumor. Less commonly, hypopituitarism is caused by infectious diseases of the brain (such as meningitis), significant blood loss (for example, during childbirth), head injuries, as well as rare diseases (sarcoidosis, etc.). I. Lack of ACTH. 1. What are the symptoms of ACTH deficiency? The most common symptom is fatigue, a feeling of general weakness, sometimes dizziness. Some patients have nausea and diarrhea.