What is Sheehan’s syndrome?
Sheehan’s syndrome is a rare condition that can happen after childbirth, when blood flow to the pituitary gland is reduced, through blood loss during labour.
The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain and is vital for sending hormone messages around the body. When its blood supply is reduced, some of the gland’s cells stop working as they should. This leads to lower hormone levels, which means the body doesn’t receive the instructions it needs to work smoothly.
The condition may appear soon after giving birth or develop gradually over time. This is because its symptoms — like tiredness, dizziness, or difficulty producing milk — can resemble normal changes after giving birth; it’s sometimes slow to diagnose.
With the right hormone treatment and ongoing care, most people with Sheehan’s syndrome can manage their symptoms and live well.
What causes Sheehan’s syndrome?
Sheehan’s syndrome is caused when the pituitary gland doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. When its blood flow is reduced, some of the gland’s cells stop working as they should. This leads to low hormone levels that affect energy, the body’s stress response, and reproduction.
During pregnancy the pituitary gland works extra hard to support mum and baby. This makes it more sensitive to changes in blood flow – which is why Sheehan’s syndrome can develop after childbirth.
Thanks to excellent maternity care in the UK, Sheehan’s syndrome is now very rare. Early diagnosis is important, so that new mums can receive the right treatment and support.
What are the symptoms of Sheehan’s syndrome?
The symptoms of Sheehan’s syndrome may feel similar to the experiences that many new mums have, these include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Low milk supply
- Loss of body hair
- Delayed return of periods
- Weight gain
If you experienced heavy bleeding during childbirth and now have these symptoms, your midwife will be able to help and guide you on what to do next.
