Sheehan’s syndrome (postpartum hypopituitarism)
- Sheehan's syndrome is a condition that affects WOMEN. During pregnancy, pituitary gland increases in its size due to the increasing of size and number of pituitary gland cells which is called LACTOTROPHS. Lactotropic cells [or PROLACTIN cells] produce prolactin hormone which stimulates the breast growth & milk production to provide the breastfeeding for the neonate. THE PROBLEM IS “while pituitary gland increases in size during pregnancy, its blood supply doesn’t increase which will put it in a fragile state because it only receives as much blood as it needs *No more than that*. This means that pituitary gland is really susceptible to be in a situation where its blood supply doesn’t meet its requirements which will lead to ischemia (lack of oxygen supply) and eventually it will cause the death of Pituitary lactotrophs. The death of pituitary gland cells (prolactin cells) will cause prolactin hormone deficiency & the patient won’t be able to breastfeed after delivery When does Sheehan syndrome occurs ??? In the situation of excessive blood loss during delivery or the postpartum hemorrhage. Treatment:- replace the prolactin hormone that u have lost 🌚. Sheehan syndrome ———- death of pituitary gland cells ———- prolactin hormone deficiency———— No breastfeeding.
