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Sheehan's Syndrome

Sheehan's syndrome is damage to a woman's pituitary gland caused by severe bleeding or extremely low blood pressure during childbirth. The damaged gland is unable to make normal amounts of certain hormones, including prolactin (the hormone that triggers the breasts to produce milk).

Symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome can include problems with milk production, low blood pressure, low blood sugar level, and increased heart rate.

Last Revised: April 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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