The signs of hypopituitarism can easily be overlooked as they often, though not always, develop gradually. They vary depending on which pituitary hormones are affected. They include:

Headaches

Difficulty in coping with stress

Tiredness

Muscle weakness

Stiffness in the joints

Nauseous feelings

Constipation

Weight loss or gain

A smaller appetite

Discomfort in the abdomen

Feeling cold

Visual disturbances

Loss of armpit or pubic hair

Hoarseness

Thirst and excessive urination

Low blood pressure

Dizziness

Men may also experience:

Loss of interest in sex

Erectile dysfunction

Decrease in facial or body hair

Women may experience:

Absent or infrequent periods

Infertility

Inability to produce breast milk

Children may experience:

Stunted growth

Delayed sexual development

Impotence in adulthood

However all these symptoms can be treated by hormone replacement.

Source: The Pituitary Foundation

 

Two other serious symptoms are:

osteoporosis

cardiovascular disease

Note: ‘The signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism usually develop gradually and get worse over time. They are sometimes subtle and may be overlooked for months or even years. But for some people, signs and symptoms develop suddenly.

‘Signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism vary from person to person, depending on which pituitary hormones are affected and to what degree. In people who have more than one pituitary hormone deficiency, the second deficiency may increase or, in some cases, hide the symptoms of the first deficiency.’

Source: The Mayo Clinic

 

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