GLOSSARY

Hypopituitarism
Hypopituitarism is reduced secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. The pattern depends on the cause, affected cell populations and whether hypothalamic regulation is also involved.

Possible causes

Tumors, surgery, radiation, inflammatory disorders and vascular injury can impair function. A lesion can reduce several outputs while leaving others relatively preserved.

Different urgency

• ACTH deficiency can compromise cortisol production and become clinically serious.
• Other deficits affect thyroid, gonadal, growth-related or lactational function through distinct mechanisms.

Assessment and sport

Fatigue and reduced performance are nonspecific and do not establish hypopituitarism. Evaluation uses symptoms, paired pituitary and peripheral hormones, selected dynamic tests and imaging when indicated. Hormone replacement requires an individualized clinical plan rather than inference from training symptoms alone.