Answer:
Sheehan's syndrome, also known as postpartum pituitary necrosis, is caused by severe bleeding or low blood pressure during or after childbirth. This can lead to insufficient blood supply to the pituitary gland, which is responsible for producing hormones.
When the pituitary gland doesn't receive adequate blood flow, it can become damaged or necrotic, resulting in Sheehan's syndrome. This condition primarily affects women who have experienced significant blood loss during childbirth.
The exact mechanism by which low blood pressure or bleeding leads to pituitary gland damage is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the pituitary gland is particularly vulnerable to ischemia (lack of blood flow) due to its unique blood supply. The pituitary gland is supplied by a complex network of blood vessels, and any disruption to this blood supply can have serious consequences.
Without proper blood flow, the pituitary gland cannot function properly and may not produce enough hormones. This can result in various hormonal deficiencies, such as insufficient production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and others.
Step-by-step explanation:
In summary, Sheehan's syndrome is caused by severe bleeding or low blood pressure during or after childbirth, leading to inadequate blood flow to the pituitary gland. This results in damage or necrosis of the gland and can lead to hormonal deficiencies.