What is a potential side effect of radiation therapy for pituitary adenomas?

Radiation therapy for pituitary adenomas can lead to panhypopituitarism as a potential side effect. Panhypopituitarism occurs when the pituitary gland fails to produce adequate amounts of several or all of the hormones it is responsible for, resulting from damage to the gland caused by radiation.

In the case of treating pituitary adenomas, radiation can disrupt the hormone-producing ability of the pituitary gland. This can lead to a deficiency in key hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and gonadotropins (LH and FSH), affecting multiple endocrine functions in the body. The severity of panhypopituitarism varies depending on the dose of radiation and the individual patient response.

Considering the other options, excessive weight gain and excessive cortisol production are more likely related to hormonal imbalances resulting from the adenoma itself or issues with hormone replacement rather than direct effects of radiation therapy. Hypoglycemia is not a typical consequence of radiation therapy for pituitary adenomas; it may arise in specific situations related to changes in adrenal function or insulin levels, but it is not a common direct side effect of radiation. Thus, panhypopituitarism