endocrine and metabolic disorders
Generalized Hypopituitarism
Introduction
Generalized hypopituitarism refers to endocrine deficiency syndromes due to partial or complete loss of anterior lobe pituitary function. Various clinical features occur depending on the specific hormones that are deficient. Diagnosis involves imaging tests and measurement of pituitary hormone levels basally and after various provocative stimuli. Treatment depends on cause but generally includes removal of any tumor and administration of replacement hormones. (Pituitary structure and function and relationships between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are discussed in Overview of the Endocrine System .) Hypopituitarism is divided into Primary: Caused by disorders that affect the pituitary gland Secondary: Caused by disorders of the hypothalamus The different causes of primary and secondary hypopituitarism are listed in the table. 