$Unique_ID{BRK00100}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Explanation of Sheehan's Syndrome}
$Subject{sheehan's syndrome syndromes pituitary gland Ill Defined Symptoms
symptom Rare Diseases deliveries delivering delivery hormonal hormones
shrinking breasts lactate lactation breast-feed hair pubic hair loss infertile
diabetics cerebrovascular diabetic sheehan infertility fertile fertility
sterile sterility}
$Volume{N-22}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Explanation of Sheehan's Syndrome


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QUESTION:  Could you explain Sheehan's Syndrome to me?

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ANSWER:  Often associated with difficult deliveries, Sheehan's Syndrome occurs
in women who have experienced shock and hemorrhage.  It is a relatively rare
condition; about one case in 10,000 deliveries is reported.  What happens is
that during delivery not enough blood gets to the pituitary.  Damage occurs,
and the result is a variety of hormonal deficiencies and some strange
symptoms.  If you know a woman with Sheehan's Syndrome, she may show signs of
mental deterioration and perhaps complain of other symptoms such as shrinking
breasts, an inability to lactate (breast-feed), loss of hair in the pubic
region and under the armpits, her period may have stopped, and she could be
infertile.  The syndrome can happen even when there has been no hemorrhage
during a difficult delivery.  A person can have Sheehan's and there may be no
symptoms because the disease may be at an early stage or in a less severe
form.  In these instances, the disease will manifest itself if the person is
under a great deal of stress.  Other people prone to the disease are diabetics
who have cerebrovascular disease.  Doctors can accurately diagnose Sheehan's
with the help of hormone-level lab tests and stimulation tests.  Successful
treatment involves hormone replacement therapy, carefully tailored to each
patient's needs.  However, it is essential that the patient continue to have a
thorough follow-up of lab tests and clinical results so that she may lead a
relatively normal lifestyle.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.