Hypopituitarism
Alternate Names : Pituitary Gland Deficiency
The pituitary gland is located inside the skull. When this gland becomes less active than normal for any reason, hypopituitarism is said to occur.
What is going on in the body?
The pituitary gland is sometimes called the master gland of the body. It secretes many important hormones that have different effects on other glands in the body. When the pituitary gland is not working correctly, many things can go wrong in the body.
The danger of hypopituitarism is that levels of other key hormones may become too low. When thyroid hormone and adrenal hormone are extremely low, death may occur. The underlying cause of this condition, such as a tumor, may also have risks.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
This condition has several causes, including:
tumors of the pituitary gland
surgical removal of the pituitary gland
abnormal inflammation of the pituitary gland, such as from an infection
a complication of childbirth
radiation to the head
head injury
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