Final answer:
The 2 most common causes of hypopituitarism following pregnancy are Sheehan's syndrome, related to severe blood loss and ischemic damage to the pituitary, and pituitary tumors, which may affect the gland's function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 2 most common causes of hypopituitarism following pregnancy (postpartum period) are Sheehan's syndrome and pituitary tumors. Sheehan's syndrome is caused by severe blood loss during or after childbirth, which can damage the pituitary gland due to a lack of oxygen (ischemia). Pituitary tumors, such as adenomas, can also lead to hypopituitarism either through direct tumor pressure on the gland or as a result of surgical or radiotherapeutic treatment for the tumor.
Hypopituitarism is a rare disorder and its occurrence post-pregnancy can be attributed to complications or changes that stress the pituitary gland. During pregnancy, the anterior pituitary enlarges and increases hormone production to accommodate the growing fetus and prepare the mother's body for childbirth and breastfeeding. However, this also makes the gland more susceptible to injury and functional impairment.