Hypothalamic Dysfunction Associated with Hemochromatosis

Excerpt

Hemochromatosis is a disorder characterized by the deposition of iron in various tissues and organs. Studies have shown altered pituitary target organ dysfunction associated with this disease, the commonest being hypogonadotrophic testicular failure (1-7). Abnormalities of cortisol (2, 6, 7), growth hormone (2, 3, 6, 7), prolactin (2), and thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion (2, 3, 6, 7) have also been reported. It has been implied that iron deposition in the pituitary gland leads to impaired pituitary hormone secretion with subsequent target organ failure (7, 8). There are frequent findings of testicular atrophy with low levels of gonadotrophins unresponsive to single injections