A Case of Hypopituitarism Due to Sheehan Syndrome
October 2024
in “
Journal of the Endocrine Society
”
TLDR Sheehan syndrome can cause hormone deficiencies after childbirth, but treatment can improve symptoms.
Sheehan syndrome, a rare condition in developed countries, results from postpartum pituitary infarction due to severe bleeding, leading to hypopituitarism. This case study involves a 35-year-old woman who experienced severe postpartum hemorrhage 3 years prior, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and amenorrhea. Her condition was diagnosed as secondary hypothyroidism, secondary adrenal insufficiency, secondary hypogonadism, low prolactin, and growth hormone deficiency. Treatment with hydrocortisone and thyroid hormone replacement improved her symptoms. The case highlights the importance of thorough history taking and the need to check free T4 levels when pituitary issues are suspected, despite normal TSH levels.