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Disease Profile
Sheehan syndrome
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.
0
Age of onset
Adult
ICD-10
E23.0
Inheritance
Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.
Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.
X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.
X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.
Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.
Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Not applicable
Other names (AKA)
Postpartum hypopituitarism; Postpartum panhypopituitarism; Postpartum panhypopituitary syndrome;
Categories
Endocrine Diseases
Summary
Sheehan
Symptoms
Symptoms of Sheehan syndrome may include:[1][2][5]
- Inability to produce breast milk
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Hot flashes
- Decreased libido
- Loss of pubic and underarm hair
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Slowed mental functioning
- Weight gain or loss
In most cases, the symptoms of Sheehan syndrome do not appear until months or even years after severe blood loss after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage). In rare cases, the symptoms of Sheehan syndrome occur within days and include an inability to produce breast milk, a drop in blood pressure, visual problems, and unconsciousness. These symptoms may be life threatening. In other cases, severe symptoms become apparent when the body is stressed by infection or surgery some period of time after delivery.[1][2]
This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.
Medical Terms | Other Names |
Learn More:
HPO ID
|
---|---|---|
80%-99% of people have these symptoms | ||
Adrenocorticotropic |
0011748 | |
Adrenocorticotropin deficient adrenal insufficiency | 0011735 | |
Chronic fatigue |
Chronic extreme exhaustion
|
0012432 |
Decreased circulating cortisol level |
Low blood cortisol level
|
0008163 |
Oligomenorrhea |
Light or infrequent menstrual periods
|
0000876 |
Panhypopituitarism | 0000871 | |
Secondary growth hormone deficiency | 0008240 | |
30%-79% of people have these symptoms | ||
Abnormal size of pituitary gland | 0012504 | |
Amenorrhea |
Abnormal absence of menstruation
|
0000141 |
Blurred vision | 0000622 | |
Breast hypoplasia |
Underdeveloped breasts
|
0003187 |
Decreased female libido |
Decreased female sex drive
|
0030018 |
Decreased serum estradiol | 0008214 | |
Dry skin | 0000958 | |
Dyspareunia | 0030016 | |
Gonadotropin deficiency | 0008213 | |
Low blood sugar
|
0001943 | |
Hyposthenuria | 0003158 | |
Difficulty getting a full erection
Difficulty getting an erection
[ more ] |
0000802 | |
Nausea | 0002018 | |
Normochromic |
0001895 | |
Orthostatic hypotension |
Decrease in blood pressure upon standing up
|
0001278 |
Pallor | 0000980 | |
Pituitary hypothyroidism |
Low thyroid gland function due to abnormal pituitary gland
|
0008245 |
Progressive visual field defects | 0007987 | |
Reduced circulating prolactin concentration | 0008202 | |
Sparse axillary hair |
Limited armpit hair
Little underarm hair
[ more ] |
0002215 |
Sparse pubic hair |
Decreased sexual hair
|
0002225 |
5%-29% of people have these symptoms | ||
Antinuclear |
0003493 | |
Arthralgia |
Joint pain
|
0002829 |
Bradycardia |
Slow heartbeats
|
0001662 |
Chills | 0025143 | |
Chronic lymphocytic |
0007041 | |
Constipation | 0002019 | |
Diplopia |
Double vision
|
0000651 |
Hashimoto thyroiditis | 0000872 | |
Hyponatremia |
Low blood sodium levels
|
0002902 |
Muscle weakness |
Muscular weakness
|
0001324 |
Obesity |
Having too much body fat
|
0001513 |
Palpitations |
Missed heart beat
Skipped heart beat
[ more ] |
0001962 |
Poor appetite |
Decreased appetite
|
0004396 |
Sensorineural hearing impairment | 0000407 | |
Thunderclap headache | 0030907 | |
Vertigo |
Dizzy spell
|
0002321 |
1%-4% of people have these symptoms | ||
Central diabetes insipidus | 0000863 | |
Coma | 0001259 | |
Psychosis | 0000709 |
Cause
Diagnosis
Because the symptoms of Sheehan syndrome may occur long after childbirth and are not specific to any disease, Sheehan syndrome is often difficult to diagnose.[1][3]
Treatment
Specialists involved in the care of someone with Sheehan syndrome may include:[1]
- Obstetrician/gynecologist
Endocrinologist Neurologist
Organizations
Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.
Organizations Supporting this Disease
-
Adrenal Insufficiency United
Toll-free: 1-855-AIUnite (248-6483)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://aiunited.org/ -
American Hair Loss Association
23679 Calabasas Road # 682
Calabasas, CA 91301-1502
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://americanhairloss.org -
Hormone Health Network
Toll-free: 1-800-HORMONE (1-800-467-6663)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.hormone.org -
Pituitary Network Association
P.O. Box 1958
Thousand Oaks, CA 91358
Telephone: +1-805-499-9973
Fax: +1-805-480-0633
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://pituitary.org/ -
The Pituitary Foundation
86 Colston Street
Bristol BS1 5BB
United Kingdom
Telephone: 0117 370 1320
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.pituitary.org.uk/
Learn more
These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.
Where to Start
- Mayo Clinic has an information page on Sheehan syndrome.
- MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.
In-Depth Information
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Sheehan syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
Selected Full-Text Journal Articles
- Schrager S, Sabo L. Sheehan Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Postpartum Hemorrhage. J Am Board Fam Med. 2001; 14(5):389-391.
References
- Schury MP, Adigun R. Sheehan Syndrome. StatPearls. Updated Jul 17, 2020; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083621/.
- Diri H, Karaca Z, Tanriverdi F, Unluhizarci K, Kelestimur F. Sheehan's syndrome: new insights into an old disease. Endocrine. Jan 2016; 51(1):22-31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26323346/.
- Sheehan syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers. Dec 22, 2016; 2:16093. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28004658/.
- Chanson P. Other Pituitary Conditions and Pregnancy. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. Sep 2019; 48(3):583-603. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31345525/.
- Karaca Z, Laway BA, Dokmetas HS, Atmaca H, Kelestimur F. Sheehan syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers. Dec 22, 2016; 2:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28004764.
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