Sheehan's syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Sheehan syndrome is a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during childbirth. | Sheehan's syndrome is a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during [[childbirth]]. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome?== | ==What are the symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome?== | ||
*Symptoms of Sheehan syndrome may include: | *Symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome may include: | ||
**Inability to breast-feed (breast milk never "comes in") | |||
**[[fatigue (patient information)|Fatigue]] | |||
**[[secondary amenorrhea (patient information)|Lack of menstrual bleeding]] | |||
**Loss of [[Pubic hair|pubic]] and [[axillary hair]] | |||
**[[hypotension|Low blood pressure]] | |||
*''Note:'' Symptoms other than inability to breast feed may not develop for several years after the delivery. | *''Note:'' Symptoms other than inability to breast feed may not develop for several years after the delivery. | ||
==What causes Sheehan's syndrome?== | ==What causes Sheehan's syndrome?== | ||
*Severe bleeding during childbirth can cause tissue death in the pituitary gland, which may cause the gland to lose its ability to function properly. | *Severe [[bleeding]] during [[childbirth]] can cause tissue death in the [[pituitary gland]], which may cause the gland to lose its ability to function properly. | ||
*The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It normally produces hormones that stimulate breast milk production, growth, reproductive functions, the thyroid, and the adrenal glands. A lack of these hormones can lead to a variety of symptoms. | *The [[pituitary gland]] is located at the base of the [[brain]]. It normally produces [[hormones]] that stimulate breast milk production, growth, reproductive functions, the [[thyroid]], and the [[adrenal glands]]. A lack of these [[hormones]] can lead to a variety of symptoms. | ||
*Conditions that increase the risk of bleeding during childbirth and Sheehan syndrome include multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets) and problems with the placenta, the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus. | *Conditions that increase the risk of bleeding during [[childbirth]] and Sheehan's syndrome include multiple [[pregnancies]] (twins or triplets) and problems with the [[placenta]], the organ that develops during [[pregnancy]] to feed the [[fetus]]. | ||
*Sheehan syndrome is very rare. | *Sheehan's syndrome is very rare. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
*Blood tests to measure hormone levels | *Blood tests to measure [[hormone]] levels | ||
*[[MRI]] of the head to rule out other pituitary problems, such as a tumor | *[[MRI]] of the head to rule out other [[pituitary]] problems, such as a tumor | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
*Treatment involves estrogen and progesterone [[hormone replacement therapy]], which must be taken for the rest of your life. | *Treatment involves [[estrogen]] and [[progesterone]] [[hormone replacement therapy]], which must be taken for the rest of your life. | ||
*Thyroid and adrenal hormones also must be taken. | *[[Thyroid]] and [[adrenal]] hormones also must be taken. | ||
==Where to find medical care for Sheehan's syndrome?== | ==Where to find medical care for Sheehan's syndrome?== | ||
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==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Extreme bleeding during childbirth can often be prevented by proper medical care. Otherwise, Sheehan syndrome is not preventable. | Extreme bleeding during [[childbirth]] can often be prevented by proper medical care. Otherwise, Sheehan's syndrome is not preventable. | ||
==Source== | ==Source== | ||
Revision as of 14:34, 1 September 2017
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
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Sheehan's syndrome |
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Sheehan's syndrome On the Web |
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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.
Overview
Sheehan's syndrome is a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during childbirth.
What are the symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome?
- Symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome may include:
- Inability to breast-feed (breast milk never "comes in")
- Fatigue
- Lack of menstrual bleeding
- Loss of pubic and axillary hair
- Low blood pressure
- Note: Symptoms other than inability to breast feed may not develop for several years after the delivery.
What causes Sheehan's syndrome?
- Severe bleeding during childbirth can cause tissue death in the pituitary gland, which may cause the gland to lose its ability to function properly.
- The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It normally produces hormones that stimulate breast milk production, growth, reproductive functions, the thyroid, and the adrenal glands. A lack of these hormones can lead to a variety of symptoms.
- Conditions that increase the risk of bleeding during childbirth and Sheehan's syndrome include multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets) and problems with the placenta, the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus.
- Sheehan's syndrome is very rare.
Diagnosis
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels
- MRI of the head to rule out other pituitary problems, such as a tumor
Treatment options
- Treatment involves estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy, which must be taken for the rest of your life.
Where to find medical care for Sheehan's syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Sheehan's syndrome
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The outlook with early diagnosis and treatment is excellent.
Possible complications
This condition can be life threatening if not treated.
Prevention
Extreme bleeding during childbirth can often be prevented by proper medical care. Otherwise, Sheehan's syndrome is not preventable.