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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