Sheehan’s Syndrome Directory
Sheehan's Syndrome
THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED AS A DIRECTORY TO SHEEHAN SYNDROME INFORMATION, PITUITARY FUNCTION AND ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY
The rare disease Sheehan’s Syndrome is a disease that affects the function of the pituitary gland and is caused by severe blood loss during or after childbirth.
The loss of blood to the pituitary gland may destroy hormone producing tissue. When necrosis of the pituitary gland occurs the pituitary may lose some or all of its function.
SHEEHAN'S SYNDROME
The web link below explains, What is Sheehan Syndrome, and provides you with a Sheehan Syndrome overview.
The symptoms of Sheehan’s Syndrome may develop gradually, or increase over time.
Sheehan’s Syndrome is a rare disease and the disease is not always easy to diagnose.
Sheehan’s Syndrome symptoms are frequently misinterpreted and given incorrect labels.
The symptom of extreme fatigue associated with Sheehan’s Syndrome is often categorized with motherhood.
While Sheehan’s Syndrome symptoms usually appear over a period of months or even years some women may have Sheehan Syndrome symptoms immediately.
The symptoms of Sheehan’s Syndrome are caused by the hormone deficiencies of the pituitary gland a.k.a Master Gland.
Click on the web link below to learn more about Sheehan's Syndrome Symptoms:
Even with extensive lab tests, your lab tests results can be normal, you may be very ill and you may have Sheehan’s Syndrome.
Almost all Endocrinologists and medical information state that the IGF-1 (Growth Hormone ) is the first pituitary gland hormone to fail in Sheehan’s Syndrome.
However, my lab test results for my IGF-1 was always within standard medical labs and my Growth Hormone was one of my last hormones to fail.
In order to make a positive diagnosis, an ACTH Stimulation Test should be given.
An ACTH Stimulation test measures cortisol output.
An Arginine Stimulation Test should be given to test your Growth Hormone, IGF-1.
An MRI of the pituitary should be done to see if the pituitary gland has an Empty Sella.
Some people prefer to have their ACTH and IGF-1 tested with an ITT Stimulation Test. However, the ITT Stimulation Test has more risk involved.
On a personal note, my CBC lab tests for Sheehan’s Syndrome were within normal range. However, I did fail both the stimulation test for ACTH and Growth Hormone.
I have listed lab tests below that will help you navigate a possible Sheehan's Syndrome diagnosis:
Life with a chronic illness can be frustrating, difficult and overwhelming at times. Support groups can be a valuable tool to help you manage your condition.
The following web link provides you Sheehan Syndrome support groups and informational resources.
- Sheehan Syndrome Support Groups
- The Sheehan's Syndrome Report From The Mayo Clinic and Nord may provide you will valuable resources
ADRENAL GLANDS
The human body has two adrenal glands and one adrenal gland sits on top of each kidney.
Each adrenal gland weighs 4–5 g in an adult, about the size of pea.
Adrenals are first detected at 6 weeks' gestation. An adrenal gland is made of two main parts:
The adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.
The adrenal gland is important to your body because it releases essential body hormones.
If adrenal gland disease occurs then the body may release to many hormones into the body or not enough hormones.
These are some adrenal gland diseases;
- Addison's
- Adrenal Gland Tumors
- Cushing's Syndrome
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
- Sheehan Syndrome
If you would like to learn more about the anatomy of the adrenal glands then click on the following web link;
PITUITARY GLAND
The pituitary gland function is extremely important to your body because it handles and directions numerous functions that are required to live each day.
In fact, the pituitary gland is so significant that it is also known as the “Master Gland”.
The pea-sized, Master Gland gland directs other organs to do function.
The pituitary gland has three lobes: anterior lobe, immediate lobe, and posterior lobe.
The major two lobes of the pituitary gland are the anterior lobe and posterior lobe.
Each pituitary gland lobe has its own function.
To learn more about the pituitary gland and the function of the pituitary gland click on the following web link;
The pituitary gland function also controls the thyroid gland function.
This web link will take you to a photo of the thyroid gland.
I hope the above photo will help you to better understand the parts of the thyroid gland.
Click Here, to read my story with Sheehan's Syndrome.
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