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Delayed Diagnosis of Sheehan’s Syndrome Following Postpartum Hemorrhage and Emergency Hysterectomy: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This case report describes a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with Sheehan's syndrome, a rare form of hypopituitarism resulting from severe postpartum hemorrhage during a cesarean section in 2019, which led to cardiac arrest and emergency hysterectomy. Despite experiencing persistent fatigue, muscle pain, constipation, and mood changes for five years, her symptoms were repeatedly misattributed to anxiety, anemia, and vitamin D deficiency. A detailed review of her obstetric history, combined with endocrine testing showing central hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and low IGF-1, led to the correct diagnosis. Initiation of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone replacement resulted in significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering Sheehan's syndrome in women with nonspecific chronic symptoms and a history of severe obstetric hemorrhage to enable timely diagnosis and treatment.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.102761

Authors: Kahina Dameche, Sherin Shams, Maha S AlMesallam

Institution: Primary Health Care

Language: English

Topic: Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7126418457