Puerperal Hypopituitarism

Puerperal hypopituitarism, also known as Sheehan syndrome, is a decrease in the function of the pituitary gland that can occur after a delivery with significant blood loss. This gland regulates several of the body's hormones.

How it may show up: difficulty producing milk or no milk production, marked fatigue, failure of menstruation to return, hair loss, or intolerance to cold.

When to seek evaluation? When these symptoms appear persistently after delivery, it is worth studying them, as they may reflect a hormonal imbalance.

Specialists who provide guidance: the OB-GYN is involved in the context of the postpartum period, and the dermatologist can step in for changes in the skin and hair; both help direct the workup. If you notice these symptoms after giving birth, discussing them at a visit is the safest way to clarify them.