Sheehan Syndrome

Sheehan Syndrome is a condition that affects the pituitary gland, a small but crucial part of the brain that controls many hormones. It usually happens after severe blood loss during or after childbirth, which damages the pituitary gland. This damage leads to a decrease in important hormones that regulate body functions like metabolism, stress response, and reproduction. People with this syndrome may experience symptoms such as extreme tiredness, inability to produce breast milk, and irregular or absent menstrual periods. The condition impacts the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production and balance. Early recognition is important because hormone replacement can help manage symptoms. Overall, it is a serious but treatable disorder related to childbirth complications.

Sheehan Syndrome is defined as postpartum hypopituitarism caused by ischemic necrosis of the anterior pituitary gland due to severe hypotension or hemorrhagic shock during or after delivery. The pituitary gland enlarges during pregnancy, increasing its vulnerability to ischemic injury when blood flow is compromised. This leads to partial or complete loss of anterior pituitary hormone secretion, including ACTH, TSH, LH, FSH, prolactin, and growth hormone. Clinically, it presents with symptoms of hypopituitarism such as failure to lactate, amenorrhea, fatigue, and hypotension. The syndrome is a major cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism in postpartum women. Diagnosis is critical due to the risk of life-threatening adrenal crisis and other hormone deficiencies.