Symptoms of Sheehan's Syndrome

Women who sustained a major blood loss while giving birth may develop symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome. This rare medical condition, referred to sometimes as postpartum hypopituitarism, affects the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland suffers from tissue death, it cannot produce the correct amount of hormones that the body needs. The result is Sheehan's syndrome, which can be treated with hormone replacement therapy.

Time Frame

• Some new mothers show symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome immediately after childbirth, while for others it is a more gradual process. Many symptoms begin several months or a year after their child has been born.

Lack of Milk

• New mothers who have Sheehan's syndrome do not produce enough milk for their babies. Some of them never experience their milk coming in after the birth.

Hair Loss

• Loss of hair in the pubic and underarm regions is a symptom of Sheehan's syndrome. Usually, this hair loss does not affect the hair on one's head.

Amenorrhea

• Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual periods, can be a sign of Sheehan's syndrome.

Fatigue

• Low blood pressure and heavy fatigue are also symptoms of postpartum hypopituitarism.

Hypothyroidism

• Some women who have Sheehan's syndrome also have low thyroid function as a symptom, called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, feeling cold much of the time, and feeling mentally sluggish.