Panhypopituitarism is a condition caused by either tumors or damage to the pituitary gland either later in life, brain injury or complications during birth due to inherited disorders.
It's usually accompanied by another medical problem for me it is "Optic Nerve Hypoplasia" which rendered me legally blind. to read more on Panhypopituitarism (or PHP as I'll later refer to it throughout this piece) click here.
PHP is a deficiency in all hormones produced by the pituitary gland. A small gland located near the hypothalamus of the brain. The pituitary gland produces hormones as well as aids in sending messages to other hormone producing parts of the body such as the adrenal glands or thyroid. For one who has PHP they are deficient in the Thyroid hormone, adrenal hormones, growth hormones, sex hormones and a few others. For those who are lacking in hormones they have to take a few different drugs and do quite a few tests to make sure they aren't taking too many or too little hormones.
Growing up I had to have shots everyday to help support the lack of growth hormone. I have to take meds everyday and I have to take an extra dose of a certain medication to help my immune system in the event I get sick. There were always some things that I wanted to do (like contact sports) but couldn't because in the event of getting injured I could go into shock . Without medication in the event of shock death is possible.
For me everyday is different. There are days when I wake up and I feel really tired or weak even though i've had plenty of sleep. I have to do blood tests quite so often and my lack of most hormones leaves me feeling not only weak or fatigued but indifferent to most thing's.
Despite all this i try my best to stay somewhat fit as weight fluctuation is common with those who have PHP. I'm indifferent to the cold unless I'm actively moving yet there are times where i''ve had difficulty trying to be warm. Because of PHP I look younger than i actually am, which usually makes buying alcohol or giving my age for whatever reason an interesting
While my problems with PHP are somewhat minor. Other's have it far worse than I do. Some have other complications such as dealing with tumors or various forms of diabetes. Many have struggles with finding the right medication amount and are always switching dosage or meds. And many deal with fatigue and feelings of weakness on various levels. It all depends on their circumstances.
While I don't like having PHP it is an aspect of myself I have to deal with and I must say it does make life a little interesting.
