View source for Sheehan's syndrome (patient information)

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{{Sheehan's syndrome (patient information)}}

'''Editor-in-Chief:''' [[C. Michael Gibson]], M.S.,M.D. [mailto:charlesmichaelgibson@gmail.com] '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' [[Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan]], M.B.B.S.

==Overview==
Sheehan's syndrome is a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during [[childbirth]].

==What are the symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome?==
*Symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome may include:
**Inability to breast-feed (breast milk never "comes in")
**[[fatigue (patient information)|Fatigue]]
**[[secondary amenorrhea (patient information)|Lack of menstrual bleeding]]
**Loss of [[Pubic hair|pubic]] and [[axillary hair]]
**[[hypotension|Low blood pressure]]

*''Note:'' Symptoms other than inability to breast feed may not develop for several years after the delivery.

==What causes Sheehan's syndrome?==
*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.

==Diagnosis==
*Blood tests to measure [[hormone]] levels
*[[MRI]] of the head to rule out other [[pituitary]] problems, such as a tumor

==Treatment options==
*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.

==Where to find medical care for Sheehan's syndrome?==
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Sheehan's syndrome}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Sheehan's syndrome]

==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==
The outlook with early diagnosis and treatment is excellent.

==Possible complications==
This condition can be life threatening if not treated.

==Prevention==
Extreme bleeding during [[childbirth]] can often be prevented by proper medical care. Otherwise, Sheehan's syndrome is not preventable.

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

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