Sheehan's syndrome (patient information)

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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.

Sheehan’s syndrome is a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during childbirth.

• 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.

• 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.

• Blood tests to measure hormone levels
• MRI of the head to rule out other pituitary problems, such as a tumor

• 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.

Directions to Hospitals Treating Sheehan’s syndrome

The outlook with early diagnosis and treatment is excellent.

This condition can be life threatening if not treated.

Extreme bleeding during childbirth can often be prevented by proper medical care. Otherwise, Sheehan’s syndrome is not preventable.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001175.htm

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