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Sub-Category:

Empty Sella Syndrome

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Sub-category: Other Pituitary Disorders

Symptoms:
headaches; vision problems; hormonal imbalances such as irregular periods or reduced libido; fatigue; low stress tolerance

Root Cause:
The sella turcica, a bony structure that houses the pituitary gland, is partially or completely filled with cerebrospinal fluid, compressing the pituitary gland and potentially impairing its function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through MRI or CT scans of the brain, blood tests to assess pituitary hormone levels, and a clinical evaluation of symptoms.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and underlying hormonal deficiencies with hormone replacement therapy or addressing the cause, if identifiable.

Medications:
Hormone replacement therapy is the primary treatment. This may include levothyroxine (for hypothyroidism), corticosteroids (for adrenal insufficiency), or desmopressin (for diabetes insipidus).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to occur in approximately 8–35% of the general population, often asymptomatic and detected incidentally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, obesity, high blood pressure, a history of radiation therapy or surgery near the pituitary gland, or intracranial hypertension.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good, particularly if asymptomatic; prognosis depends on the degree of pituitary dysfunction.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include chronic headaches, vision impairment, infertility, and severe hormone imbalances requiring lifelong management.