Definition:
Sheehan syndrome is a rare condition that happens in women who suffered a severe uterine bleeding during and after childbirth. In this medical condition the resulting blood loss and hypovolemic shock may cause damage to the pituitary gland leading to hypopituitarism.
Sheehan syndrome is also known as postpartum hypopituitarism or postpartum pituitary necrosis.
Diagnosis:
Early diagnosis would be vital in treating the insufficiency. Diagnosis is achieved by carrying out specific blood tests to measure the hormone level. It may also be necessary to undergo CT scan of the head aimed at ruling out pituitary abnormalities like tumors.
Treatment:
Lifelong hormone replacement medication is one of the most effective steps in the treatment for pituitary insufficiency. This may include estrogen and progesterone replacement and in some cases thyroid and adrenal hormone replacement as well.
Symptoms and Signs:
The following are the symptoms of Sheehan syndrome:
• Acute physical and mental reaction to reduced circulation (acute shock)
• Weakness or lack of energy
• Breast milk never comes “in”
• Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemic crisis)
• Absence of menstrual bleeding or menstrual irregularity
• Paleness
• Loss of pubic or armpit hair
• Vaginal mucosa atrophy
• Infundibular artery spasm
• Pituitary necrosis
• Pituitary thrombosis
• Dry skin
• High cholesterol
Causes:
Sheehan syndrome is caused by tissue death in the pituitary gland due to excessive blood loss during and after childbirth. Another factor to the development of Sheehan syndrome is the presence of scattered and distributed intravascular coagulation.
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