Endocrine abnormalities in thalassemia major.

Endocrine function evaluations in 16 patients with beta-thalassemia indicate that hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hypoparathyroidism, and reduced adrenocorticotropic hormone reserve occur frequently, whereas reduced growth hormone and thyroid reserve are less common manifestations. Hemosiderosis-induced damage of the endocrine glands seems to be the main cause for endocrine dysfunction in the patients studied.