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Pituitary disorders in pregnancy

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Abstract

The pituitary gland is significantly affected during gestation in terms of both size and function. Due to this physiologic adaptation, endocrine evaluation and interpretation of imaging is far more complex than in the non-pregnant state. Pituitary disorders are rare in pregnancy, as they are usually associated with gonadal dysfunction, thereby posing difficulties with fertility. This review will focus on pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas, GH-secreting and ACTH-secreting), their diagnostic handicaps and the recommendations for treatment. We will also discuss the two pituitary disorders encountered in pregnancy, Sheehan’s syndrome and lymphocytic hypophysitis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Endocrinology, Theagenio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Alexandra Chrisoulidou (Consultant Endocrinologist) & Maria Boudina

  2. 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Eleni Bill

  3. Department of Endocrinology, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK

    Niki Karavitaki & John Wass

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  1. Alexandra Chrisoulidou
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  2. Maria Boudina
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Correspondence to Alexandra Chrisoulidou.

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Chrisoulidou, A., Boudina, M., Karavitaki, N. et al. Pituitary disorders in pregnancy. Hormones 14, 70–80 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03401382

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