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15th September 2024
Clinical features
The clinical features of anterior pituitary deficiencies depend on the type and degree of the hormonal deficits. The most common types of hypopituitarism include GH and gonadotrophin deficiencies, followed by TSH and ACTH at a later stage. Prolactin deficiency is rare and is mainly seen in relation to Sheehan syndrome.
| Hormone deficiency | Features |
|---|---|
| GH | Reduced energy levels, loss of lean body mass, impaired mental health, dyslipidaemia, increased insulin sensitivity, increased central adiposity, osteoporosis |
| LH/FSH | Females may experience anovulatory cycles, oligo/ amenorrhoea, dyspareunia, loss of libido and osteoporosis |
| Males may experience testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction, loss of secondary sexual hair, tiredness, reduced muscle mass, loss of libido and osteoporosis | |
| TSH | Lethargy, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome, menorrhagia, psychomotor impairment, weight gain, reduced appetite, dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, OSA |
| ACTH | Pale skin, tiredness, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, dizziness, postural hypotension, reduced axillary and pubic hair, reduced libido, visual field defects if pituitary tumours |
| Prolactin | Failure of lactation, galactorrhoea, oligo/amenorrhoea, loss of libido |
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