33
Growth Hormone Deficiency
The deficiency of growth hormone (GH), in children, usually leads to short stature
(dwarfism), and poor overall growth. In adults, growth hormone (GH) deficit does
not affect height because the bones are fully grown. Adults usually have no symptoms, but sometimes they lose energy.
Hypothalamus Deficiencies
The hypothalamus is the brain’s small part situated near the pituitary gland. It produces hormones and nerve impulses regulating the pituitary gland. Therefore,
tumors affecting the hypothalamus may cause pituitary hormone deficiency. They
can also interfere with the center of appetite control, leading to obesity.
Prolactin Deficiency
The ability of women to produce breast milk after delivery is reduced or lost as a
result of prolactin deficiency. Sheehan syndrome (a rare birth complications) is one
of the reasons for low levels of prolactin and other pituitary hormones. Sheehan
syndrome is usually developed due to excessive loss of blood and shock during
childbirth, leading to partial damage of the pituitary gland. The symptoms of prolactin deficiency include fatigue, loss of pubic and mane hair, and incapability to
make breast milk. Prolactin deficiency has no adverse effects on men.
Deficiency of Gonadotropins (FSH and LH)
In premenopausal women, the lack of these hormones can lead to stoppage of menstrual periods, infertility, vaginal dryness, and loss of certain feminine sexual features. In men, these hormonal deficiencies lead to testicular weight loss (atrophy),
erectile dysfunction, reduced sperm production, secondary infertility, and loss of
certain male sexual features. In children, the lack of these hormones can lead to
delayed puberty. Lack of LH and FSH may also occur in Kallmann’s syndrome, in
which a person may also have a cleft palate, color blindness, and no odor.
Pituitary Apoplexy
Pituitary apoplexy or stroke is a group of symptoms caused when blood flow to the
pituitary is blocked leading to tissue destruction and bleeding. Pituitary apoplexy is
most common in people with pituitary tumors. Symptoms include severe headaches,
visual field defects, fever, stiff neck, and eye movement problems. Bleeding causes
the pituitary to swell and compress the hypothalamus, causing drowsiness or coma.
1 Physiology of Endocrine System and Related Metabolic Disorders
Growth Hormone Deficiency
The deficiency of growth hormone (GH), in children, usually leads to short stature
(dwarfism), and poor overall growth. In adults, growth hormone (GH) deficit does
not affect height because the bones are fully grown. Adults usually have no symptoms, but sometimes they lose energy.
Hypothalamus Deficiencies
The hypothalamus is the brain’s small part situated near the pituitary gland. It produces hormones and nerve impulses regulating the pituitary gland. Therefore,
tumors affecting the hypothalamus may cause pituitary hormone deficiency. They
can also interfere with the center of appetite control, leading to obesity.
Prolactin Deficiency
The ability of women to produce breast milk after delivery is reduced or lost as a
result of prolactin deficiency. Sheehan syndrome (a rare birth complications) is one
of the reasons for low levels of prolactin and other pituitary hormones. Sheehan
syndrome is usually developed due to excessive loss of blood and shock during
childbirth, leading to partial damage of the pituitary gland. The symptoms of prolactin deficiency include fatigue, loss of pubic and mane hair, and incapability to
make breast milk. Prolactin deficiency has no adverse effects on men.
Deficiency of Gonadotropins (FSH and LH)
In premenopausal women, the lack of these hormones can lead to stoppage of menstrual periods, infertility, vaginal dryness, and loss of certain feminine sexual features. In men, these hormonal deficiencies lead to testicular weight loss (atrophy),
erectile dysfunction, reduced sperm production, secondary infertility, and loss of
certain male sexual features. In children, the lack of these hormones can lead to
delayed puberty. Lack of LH and FSH may also occur in Kallmann’s syndrome, in
which a person may also have a cleft palate, color blindness, and no odor.
Pituitary Apoplexy
Pituitary apoplexy or stroke is a group of symptoms caused when blood flow to the
pituitary is blocked leading to tissue destruction and bleeding. Pituitary apoplexy is
most common in people with pituitary tumors. Symptoms include severe headaches,
visual field defects, fever, stiff neck, and eye movement problems. Bleeding causes
the pituitary to swell and compress the hypothalamus, causing drowsiness or coma.
1 Physiology of Endocrine System and Related Metabolic Disorders