What symptom could indicate hypopituitarism in a child?

Hypopituitarism in a child is characterized by the underproduction of one or more of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland. One of the most notable symptoms of hypopituitarism is delayed growth, which results from insufficient production of growth hormone and can lead to short stature compared to peers. In children, this lack of growth hormone can have significant implications for overall development and can manifest as an inability to reach expected height and weight for their age.

Delays in growth can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as delayed puberty, fatigue, and potentially other hormonal deficiencies depending on which pituitary hormones are affected. Identifying delayed growth as a symptom is crucial, as it can prompt further investigation into pituitary function and help in diagnosing conditions such as hypopituitarism early, enabling appropriate management.