Causes of Hypopituitarism Hypopituitarism may be associated either with pathological processes that destroy the pituitary itself or with those that destroy the hypothalamus and thus interfere with the hypothalamic hormone control of the pituitary gland. Hypopituitarism is most commonly caused by the presence of a pituitary tumour (Fig. 2.1). Parapituitary tumours are rare and of these, craniopharyngiomas are the most common. See later: • Pituitary Tumours in Hypopituitarism • Other Causes of Hypopituitarism • Isolated Disorders of Pituitary Hormone Secretion