What is Sheehan's syndrome?

Sheehan's syndrome is characterized by pregnancy-related infarction of the pituitary gland. This condition typically occurs when a woman experiences significant blood loss or severe hypotension during or after childbirth, leading to inadequate blood supply to the pituitary gland.

During pregnancy, the pituitary gland expands to accommodate hormonal changes; this expanded gland is more susceptible to ischemic damage due to reduced blood flow. The result is necrosis of the pituitary tissue, which can manifest with various hormonal deficiencies, including adrenal insufficiency and lactation failure due to low prolactin levels.

The clinical presentation of Sheehan's syndrome may not be immediately apparent, as symptoms can develop gradually over weeks or months after delivery, complicating diagnosis. Understanding this condition is crucial in recognizing how systemic changes during pregnancy can impact endocrine function in the postpartum period.