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HYPOPITUITARISM


What do I need to do if I have a pituitary hormone deficiency?

  1. Get involved. Undergo necessary tests to determine which pituitary hormone or hormones are deficient and require replacement.
  2. Be attentive. When beginning hormone replacement therapy, pay close attention to the effects of treatment and be willing to take blood tests to determine the best dose.
  3. Cooperate. Take medication as prescribed and at the correct times; do not take calcium at the same time as thyroid hormone as it can inhibit absorption from the stomach.
  4. Stick with it. Attend regular visits with the endocrinologist to ensure you find the hormone replacement therapy right for you.
  5. Follow up. Have appropriate tests (blood tests, magnetic resonance image scans) to determine if there is a recurrence of the pituitary adenoma or other type of growth.


In this section:

What is hypopituitarism?

What causes hypopituitarism?

What are the symptoms and signs of hypopituitarism?

How is hypopituitarism diagnosed?

What tests are necessary?

How is hypopituitarism treated?

What are the benefits of treatment?

What are the risks of treatment?

Is lifelong treatment necessary?

How is treatment followed?

Is fertility possible if I have hypopituitarism?

What do I need to do if I have a pituitary hormone deficiency?

If you require hydrocortisone, prednisone, or desmopressin replacement

Summary


See also:

For further information

Glossary


Download the Pituitary Society’s Hypopituitarism Brochure. Available in English, Spanish, Italian and German.

Hypopituitarism (PDF) (1.7mb)

Hypophyseninsuffizienz (PDF) (1.3mb)

Ipopituitarismo (PDF) (2mb)

Hipopituitarismo (PDF) (2mb)