Sheehan Syndrome Overview
Learn About Sheehan Syndrome
Sheehan syndrome is a condition that can occur in a woman who bleeds severely during childbirth. Sheehan syndrome is a type of hypopituitarism.
Postpartum hypopituitarism; Postpartum pituitary insufficiency; Hypopituitarism syndrome; Sheehan's syndrome
Severe bleeding during childbirth can cause tissue in the pituitary gland to die. This prevents the pituitary gland from functioning normally.
The pituitary gland is at the base of the brain. It makes hormones that stimulate growth, production of breast milk, 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 pregnancy (twins or triplets) and problems with the placenta. The placenta is the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus.
The condition is rare today due to advances in obstetric care.
Symptoms of Sheehan syndrome may include:
- Inability to breastfeed (breast milk never "comes in")
- Fatigue
- Lack of menstrual bleeding
- Loss of pubic and armpit (axillary) hair
- Low blood pressure
Note: Other than not being able to breastfeed, symptoms may not develop for several years after the delivery.
Treatment involves estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy. These hormones must be taken at least until the normal age of menopause. Thyroid and adrenal hormones must also be taken. These will be needed for the rest of your life.
The General Hospital Corporation
Nicholas Tritos is an Endocrinologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Tritos is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sheehan Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Sheehan Syndrome, Hypopituitarism, Acromegaly, Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
Roberto Salvatori is an Endocrinologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Salvatori is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sheehan Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), Hypopituitarism, Pituitary Tumor, Cushing's syndrome, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. Salvatori is currently accepting new patients.
Bashir Laway practices in Srinagar, India. Mr. Laway is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Sheehan Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Hypopituitarism, Sheehan Syndrome, Prolactinoma, Osteopetrosis Autosomal Recessive Type 3, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The outlook with early diagnosis and treatment is excellent.
This condition can be life threatening if not treated.
Severe loss of blood during childbirth can often be prevented by proper medical care. Otherwise, Sheehan syndrome is not preventable.
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Published Date: October 15, 2024
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Kaiser U, Ho KKY. Pituitary physiology and diagnostic evaluation. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 6.