Symptoms appear when compression or infiltration of surrounding structures (pituitary, pituitary stalk, visual pathways, hypothalamus, cerebral ventricles) occurs.
A. The most common symptoms are:
- Headaches
- Endocrine dysfunctions linked to a defect in hormone secretion by the pituitary
- Vision problems
B. If the tumor compresses the pituitary gland or the pituitary stalk, it can cause the following effects:
Fatigue, Depressive syndrome
Impairment of gonadotropic function (FSH and LH Hormones)
- Loss of normal menstrual function (amenorrhea)
- Loss of sexual desire (libido disorder)
- Delayed puberty in children
Impairment of thyrotrophic function (TSH Hormone)
- Increased sensitivity to cold,
- Constipation,
- Dry skin
Impairment of corticotropic function (ACTH Hormone)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood pressure
Impairment of somatotropic function (GH Hormone)
- Growth retardation in children
Impairment of lactotropic function (Prolactin Hormone)
- Bilateral milky discharge from the breasts (galactorrhea)
Impairment of the posterior pituitary (Desmopressin Hormone)
- Diabetes insipidus: excessive thirst, excessive urination
C. If the tumor compresses the optic nerve or the chiasm, it can cause the following effects:
Blurred vision
Decreased visual field
D. If the tumor compresses the hypothalamus, it can cause:
Eating behavior disorders (hyperphagia, loss of satiety sensation)
Obesity Mood changes Slowing down, confusion Memory disorders Drowsiness Abnormalities in body temperature regulation