The hypothalamic-pituitary system is a critical component of the endocrine system, and it is tasked with linking the nervous and endocrine systems. If this system is affected by diseases, then the endocrine system will not function properly. This study will look to determine the impact if pituitary tumors and hypopituitarism on the hypothalamic-pituitary system.
One major illness that affects this system is pituitary tumors. In most instances, pituitary tumors are not malignant; however, they could impact the pituitary functions. This disorder may generate compression that results in vision difficulties, headaches, or other complications (Cocco et al., 2017). Pituitary adenomas typically result in endocrine dysfunctions. Pituitary tumors could result in the secretion of additional hormones, or their decrease. For instance, it can result in the under secretion of the thyroid hormone or the over secretion of the acromegaly (“American Association of Neurological Surgeons,” 2020). If the pituitary adenomas is left untreated, it will result in hormonal imbalance that can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction, disrupted menstruation, sexual dysfunction, and galactorrhea.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Another disease that affects the hypothalamic-pituitary system is hypopituitarism. The disorder is a rare and chronic endocrine illness that is caused by different etiologies. Hypopituitarism is a condition where the pituitary gland secretes insufficient hormones. The chronic disorder can be described as the partial or total loss of posterior and anterior pituitary gland function as a result of a hypothalamic or pituitary disorder (Kim, 2015). The illness is severer because it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The disease is easy to diagnose, and several treatments can be used to manage the condition. If left untreated, the condition could result in dwarfism in children. The condition could also result in premature aging in adults.
Pituitary tumors and hypopituitarism are significant diseases that adversely affect the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Pituitary tumors often result in the decrease or increase of hormonal secretion that can result in numerous complications that include vision difficulties and headaches. Hypopituitarism is also a significant condition that is caused by insufficient secretion of hormones. This condition also affects the endocrine system.
References
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2020). Pituitary Gland and Pituitary Tumors. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Pituitary-Gland-and-Pituitary-Tumors
Cocco, C., Brancia, C., Corda, G., & Ferri, G. L. (2017). The Hypothalamic–Pituitary Axis and Autoantibody Related Disorders. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(11), 2322.
Kim, S. Y. (2015). Diagnosis and treatment of hypopituitarism. Endocrinology and Metabolism, 30(4), 443-455.
