postpubertal panhypopituitarism

postpubertal panhypopituitarism

[-pyo̅o̅′bərtəl]

Etymology: L, post + pubertas, maturation; Gk, pan, all, hypo, below, pituita, phlegm

insufficiency of pituitary hormones, caused by pituitary necrosis resulting from a blood clot in the artery supplying the gland or trauma to the gland. The disorder is characterized initially by weakness, lethargy, loss of libido, intolerance to cold, and, in females by failure to lactate and amenorrhea. It leads eventually to loss of axillary and pubic hair, bradycardia, hypotension, premature wrinkling of the skin, and atrophy of the thyroid and adrenal glands. Treatment consists of the administration of thyroid hormone, corticosteriods, and sex hormones. Also called hypophyseal cachexia, pituitary cachexia, Simmonds' disease. Compare prepubertal panhypopituitarism.