This condition occurs after giving birth (straight after to few months to years later) causing heavy bleeding after labour and can cause severe low blood pressure.
Such extensive bleeding may reduce the blood flow to the pituitary gland causing the pituitary cells to be damaged or die (necrosis).
National Organization of Rare Disorders
Also:
During pregnancy and giving birth the pituitary gland enlarges and this could damage the gland and/or not enough oxygen is received by the gland to meets it needs.
As a result this can cause the pituitary gland (which supply many hormones to preform various functions in our bodies) not to function as it should because it does not receive enough oxygen and therefore not release the hormones one requires.
The pituitary gland is responsible for the following hormones
Growth hormone (GH)
This hormone controls bone and tissue growth and maintains the right balance of muscle and fat tissue.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
This hormone stimulates your thyroid gland to produce key hormones that regulate your metabolism. Shortage of TSH results in an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
In women, LH regulates oestrogen.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Working with LH, FSH helps stimulate egg development and ovulation in women.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
This hormone stimulates your adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones.
Cortisol helps your body deal with stress and influences many body functions, including blood pressure, heart function and your immune system.
A low level of adrenal hormones caused by pituitary damage is called secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Prolactin
This hormone regulates the development of female breasts, as well as the production of breast milk.
Cause
Unknown
Damage or injury to pituitary gland
Disorder of pituitary gland
Lack of oxytocin
Placenta conditions
Multiple pregnancies
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Source: Netter Images
Symptoms
(Symptoms can occur straight away to few months to years later after childbirth)
Change in size or shape of either or both breasts/Breast shrinkage?
Difficulty to breastfeed or can’t breastfeed?
Feel cold?
General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
Lack of period or no menstrual bleed?
Loss of pubic hair and/or loss of hair at eye brows?
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Sheehan Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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