Hypopituitarism (redirected from Hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction)

hypopituitarism [‚hī·pō·pə′tü·ə·tə‚riz·əm]

(medicine)

Condition caused by insufficient secretion of pituitary hormones, especially of the adenohypophysis. Also known as panhypopituitarism.

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Hypopituitarism 

a chronic condition caused by reduced internal secretion of the pituitary body.

Hypopituitarism is manifested by insufficiency of function of the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads. Trauma, tumors, infections, and hemorrhages in the area of the base of the brain can result in hypopituitarism. Hypopituitarism is manifested in arrested growth (nanism), impairment of lipometabolism, causing obesity or severe emaciation (cachexia), or underdevelopment of the sexual organs. In women with hypopituitarism, menstruation ceases and the uterus, ovaries, and mammary glands atrophy. In men the testicles and penis atrophy. Physical and mental languor, frequent dizziness, buzzing in the ears, headaches, sleepiness, susceptibility to fatigue, and a lowering of the basal metabolism are characteristic of hypopituitarism. Pituitary tumors are treated by X-ray and radiotherapy or surgical operation; other forms are treated by hormonal therapy.

L. M. GOL’BER