hypophyseal cachexia
a disease caused by total failure of the pituitary gland, resulting in secondary atrophy of the adrenal cortex, thyroid gland, and gonads. Sexual glands and breasts atrophy, teeth and hair fall out, and anorexia, diabetes insipidus, hypoglycemia, and mental changes develop. The disease occurs in two forms: Sheehan’s syndrome, which affects women after childbirth; and Simmonds’ disease, which affects both sexes. Also called pituitary cachexia.