HYPOPITUITARISM Meaning and
Definition
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Hypopituitarism is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate functioning or deficiency of the pituitary gland, which is a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" as it is responsible for producing and regulating various hormones that play a crucial role in controlling several bodily functions.
When the pituitary gland fails to produce or secrete enough hormones, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on which specific hormones are affected. Some common hormones affected in hypopituitarism include adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
These hormonal deficiencies can result in various symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss or gain, decreased libido, loss of hair, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, low blood pressure, decreased bone density, and impaired growth in children. The causes of hypopituitarism can vary but may include tumors, head trauma, radiation therapy, infections, genetic factors, or certain autoimmune conditions.
Treatment for hypopituitarism typically involves hormone replacement therapy to address the deficient hormones. The specific treatment approach depends on the underlying cause and the specific hormones affected. Regular monitoring and hormone adjustment are usually required to ensure optimal hormone levels and symptom control. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications and to improve overall health and well-being.
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A condition due to diminished activity or loss of a part of the anterior lobe of the hypophysis cerebri, marked by the hypophysis syndrome, or dystrophia adiposogenitalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPITUITARISM
- hyperpituitarism
- gypopituitarism
- bypopituitarism
- nypopituitarism
- jypopituitarism
- uypopituitarism
- yypopituitarism
- htpopituitarism
- hgpopituitarism
- hhpopituitarism
- hupopituitarism
- h7popituitarism
- h6popituitarism
- hyoopituitarism
- hylopituitarism
- hy-opituitarism
- hy0opituitarism
- hypipituitarism
- hypkpituitarism
- hyplpituitarism
Etymology of HYPOPITUITARISM
The word "hypopituitarism" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "hypo" meaning "under" or "below", and "pituitary" referring to the pituitary gland. The ending "-ism" in medical terminology is often used to indicate a condition or state. Therefore, "hypopituitarism" describes a condition where there is underactivity or dysfunction of the pituitary gland, leading to a deficiency of one or more hormones it produces.
