Hypopituitarism in the elderly.
Pituitary dysfunction in elderly can represent a true diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to clinicians caring for these patients. Symptoms associated with partial or total hypopituitarism, such as fatigue, lower muscle strength and decreased libido, are nonspecific and can be often attributed to normal aging. Gold standard pituitary diagnostic testing carries higher risks in elderly and is classically replaced by alternative testing. Furthermore, the benefits and safety of selective pituitary hormonal replacement, specifically sexual and growth hormone replacement, remain subject of controversy in this group of patients. Recognizing and appropriately treating hypopituitarism in elderly is crucial for the survival and well being of the older patients with this disease.
Division of Endocrinology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Marianna
M
Antonopoulou
Rajeev
R
Sharma
Amal
A
Farag
Mary Ann
MA
Banerji
Jocelyne G
JG
Karam
D000368:Aged; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007018:Hypopituitarism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010902:Pituitary Gland; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000172:deficiency*
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D019382:Human Growth Hormone