Official Journal of the Albanian Society of Internal Medicine

ISSN 3007-6692

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“THE SILENT DEATH OF THE PITUITARY”: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND CLINICAL IMPACT OF SHEEHAN'S SYNDROME

Sheehan’s syndrome, also called postpartum hypopituitarism, is a condition characterized by necrosis and impaired function of the anterior pituitary gland, typically resulting from severe blood loss during or shortly after childbirth. Its low incidence, prolonged course with nonspecific clinical manifestations, and higher prevalence among women in underdeveloped or developing countries often contribute to a delayed diagnosis. This condition is marked by reduced secretion of all anterior pituitary hormones, leading to clinical features such as failure of lactation in the postpartum phase to amenorrhea, and infertility. The diagnosis of Sheehan’s syndrome is established through hormonal assays, dynamic stimulation tests, and imaging studies of the pituitary gland. Treatment consists of lifelong hormone replacement therapy.