hypopituitarism

[ hahy-poh-pi-too-i-tuh-riz-uhm, -tyoo- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. abnormally diminished activity of the pituitary gland, especially of the anterior lobe.
2. the condition produced by this, characterized by obesity, retention of adolescent traits, sterility, amenorrhea, and, in extreme cases, dwarfism.

hypopituitarism

/ ˌhaɪpəpɪˈtjuːɪtəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. pathol underactivity of the pituitary gland

Derived Forms

• ˌhypopiˈtuitary, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypopituitarism¹

First recorded in 1905–10; hypo- + pituitar(y) + -ism

Example Sentences

"Orphan," Jaume Collett-Serra's 2009 film, existed uncomfortably in this space, though its then-child star Isabelle Fuhrman elevated the role of Lena, a grown woman presenting as a young child due to hypopituitarism, a real condition.

From Salon

In the original Orphan’s final acts, it’s revealed that 9-year-old “Esther” is actually a 33-year-old Estonian serial killer with proportional dwarfism caused by hypopituitarism, which she’s used to pretend to be a child for years as she bounces from one adoptive family to the next.

From The Verge

A traumatic brain injury can cause hypopituitarism, a condition in which a hormone deficiency impairs normal function.

From Washington Post

To raise awareness and funds, it recruited Katie Price, the glamour model otherwise known as Jordan, last year to be an ambassador for the charity: Price's son Harvey suffers from septo-optic dysplasia, a condition which includes hypopituitarism.

From The Guardian

Christopher suffered a severe head injury after falling out of a tree as a child, and his mother believes this may have caused damage to his pituitary gland, leading to hypopituitarism and impotence – a common symptom of the illness.

From The Guardian