Synonyms

• Postpartum Hypopituitarism
• Postpartum Panhypopituitarism
• Postpartum Panhypopituitary Syndrome
• Postpartum Pituitary Necrosis
• Simmond's Disease

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Excessive blood loss during or after delivery of a baby may affect the function of the pituitary gland, leading to a form of maternal hypopituitarism known as Sheehan syndrome. Such extensive bleeding may reduce the blood flow to the pituitary gland and hence the amount of oxygen available to the cells of the brain and the gland. In such circumstances the pituitary cells may be damaged or die (necrosis) and thus the production of the usual pituitary hormones will be reduced, perhaps by a significant amount.

During pregnancy the pituitary gland will enlarge and may double in size. At this time the gland is especially vulnerable to "shock" and excessive maternal bleeding may induce the "shock" and the damage to the cells of the gland. At that time the balance of hormones produced by the pituitary may be thrown off giving rise to the symptoms associated with Sheehan syndrome.

There appear to be two forms of the disorder; a chronic form and an acute form, depending on the amount of damage to the gland’s cells. The acute form reflects considerable damage so that symptoms become apparent soon after delivery. In chronic cases, the volume of damage is much less and symptoms may not appear for months or years after delivery.

Resources

NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)907-8906
Tel: (800)891-5389
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

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This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  7/8/2007
Copyright  1986, 1989, 1998, 2002, 2007National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.