The symptoms of hypopituitarism depend on which pituitary hormone(s) is deficient (lacking). The following factors also affect what kind of symptoms you’ll experience:
- Your sex.
- Your age when hypopituitarism begins.
- The cause of hypopituitarism.
- How fast the hormones decrease.
Symptoms of a lack of growth hormone (GH)
Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in newborns include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- An abnormally small penis (micropenis).
Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in children include:
- Slow growth or no growth.
- Short height.
- Missing or delayed sexual development during puberty.
Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in adults include:
- Fatigue.
- Reduced sense of well-being.
- Decreased sexual function and sexual interest.
- Higher amount of body fat, particularly around the waist.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold.
- Decreased muscle mass.
- Decreased strength and stamina when exercising.
Symptoms of a lack of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Symptoms of thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency in newborns include:
- Decreased muscle tone.
- Low body temperature (hypothermia).
- A bulging belly.
- A hoarse cry.
Symptoms of thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency in children and adults are similar to symptoms of hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid. This is because TSH stimulates your thyroid to produce its own hormones.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue.
- Dry skin and thinning hair.
- Constipation.
- Weight gain.
- Muscle weakness.
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures.
- Depression.
- Experiencing heavier-than-normal menstrual periods or irregular periods.
Symptoms of a lack of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or luteinizing hormone (LH)
FSH and LH are hormones called gonadotropins. They affect your reproductive system.
Symptoms of FSH deficiency and/or LH deficiency in newborn boys include:
- An abnormally small penis (micropenis).
- Undescended testicles.
Symptoms of FSH deficiency and/or LH deficiency in children include:
- Absent breast development in females.
- Absent testicular enlargement in males.
- Lack of growth spurt during puberty.
Symptoms of FSH deficiency and/or LH deficiency in men include:
- Loss of interest in sex (low sex drive).
- Fatigue.
- Infertility.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Decreased facial or body hair.
Symptoms of FSH deficiency and/or LH deficiency in women can include:
- Loss of interest in sex (low libido).
- Fatigue.
- Infertility.
- Hot flashes.
- Irregular periods or no menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
- Decreased pubic hair.
- Lack of breast milk production after giving birth.
Symptoms of a lack of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH or corticotropin)
Symptoms of ACTH deficiency in newborns include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- The rate of weight gain is significantly lower than average (failure to thrive).
- Seizures.
- Yellowing skin (jaundice).
Symptoms of ACTH deficiency in children and adults include:
- Fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Confusion.
Symptoms of a lack of prolactin
The main symptom of prolactin deficiency is a lack of breast milk production after giving birth.
Symptoms of a lack of oxytocin
Symptoms of oxytocin deficiency include:
- Breast milk flow issues after childbirth.
- Difficulty bonding with your baby after birth.
- Lack of empathy.
- Difficulty interacting with others.
Symptoms of a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH or vasopressin or arginine vasopressin)
Symptoms of ADH deficiency in newborns include:
- Vomiting.
- Unexplained episodes of fever.
- Excessive crying.
- Weight loss.
- Constipation.
- Very wet diapers.
Symptoms of ADH deficiency in children include:
- Difficulty with toilet training.
- Bedwetting.
- Getting tired easily.
Symptoms of ADH deficiency in adults can include:
- Frequent urination.
- Extreme thirst.
- Having electrolyte imbalances.
