To the Editor: Hypopituitarism is an uncommon diagnosis in elderly adults,1 and its prevalence in the general population has been estimated at 4.21 cases per 100,000.2 A literature search resulted in few published cases in adults aged 60 and older. Hypopituitarism can occur at any age, but most commonly manifests in young individuals with growth deficiency. Most cases in young to middle-aged adults are a result of a tumor, infarct, trauma, or radiation,3 and symptoms can be subtle. In adults aged 50 and older,., the most common shared reported symptoms and signs are postural hypotension, hyponatremia, normal or low thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and pale facies. Other common presentations include wrinkled skin, loss of body hair, and gonadal atrophy, often dismissed as normal signs of aging.4 Because of the nonspecific presentation and its rarity, hypopituitarism can be a challenging diagnosis, but one that, if discovered, can improve quality of life in affected individuals.
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