You & Your Hormones | Glands | Pituitary gland You & Your Hormones Email article to a friend | Last updated: January 21, 2015 The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland that plays a major role in regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing. It is referred to as the body’s ‘master gland’ because it controls the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands. Computer artwork of a person's head showing the left hemisphere of the brain inside. The highlighted area (centre) shows the pituitary gland attached to the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. Alternative names Hypophysis. Where is my pituitary gland? The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland. It sits in the sella turcica (‘Turkish saddle’), a bony hollow in the base of the skull, underneath the brain and behind the bridge of the nose. Although the pituitary gland looks like one gland, it actually has two distinct parts, the anterior pituitary gland and the posterior pituitary gland. The gland is attached to the hypothalamus , the part of the brain that controls its activity.

The anterior part of the pituitary gland consists of gland cells, which are connected to the brain by very short blood vessels. The posterior pituitary gland is actually part of the brain and it secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream under the command of the brain. What does my pituitary gland do? The pituitary gland is called the ‘master gland’ as the hormones it produces control so many different processes in the body. It senses the body’s needs and sends signals to different organs and glands throughout the body to regulate their function and maintain an appropriate environment. It secretes a variety of hormones into the bloodstream which act as messengers to transmit information from the pituitary gland to distant cells, regulating their activity. For example, the pituitary gland produces prolactin , which acts on the breasts to induce milk production. The pituitary gland also secretes hormones that act on the adrenal glands , thyroid gland , ovaries and testes , which in turn produce other hormones. Through production of its hormones, the pituitary gland controls metabolism , growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions and processes. What hormones does my pituitary gland produce?

The anterior pituitary gland produces the following hormones and releases them into the bloodstream: Adrenocorticotropic hormone , which stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete steroid hormones, principally cortisol Thyroid stimulating hormone , which stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones. There are also some hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus and then stored in the posterior pituitary gland prior to being released into the bloodstream. These are: Anti-diuretic hormone , which controls water balance and blood pressure. It is made by the hypothalamus but is stored in the posterior pituitary gland prior to being released into the bloodstream. Oxytocin , which stimulates uterine contractions during labour and milk secretion during breastfeeding. It is made by the hypothalamus but is stored in the posterior pituitary gland prior to being released into the bloodstream. Each of these hormones is made by a separate type of cell within the pituitary gland, except for follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone, which are made together by the same cell. What could go wrong with my pituitary gland? The pituitary gland is an important gland in the body and the hormones it produces carry out varied tasks and regulate the function of many other organs.

This means that the symptoms experienced when the pituitary gland stops working correctly can be varied depending on which hormone is affected. Conditions that affect the pituitary gland directly can be divided into three main categories: Conditions that cause the pituitary gland to produce too much of one or more hormone(s). Examples include acromegaly , Cushing's disease and prolactinoma . Conditions that cause the pituitary gland to produce too little of one or more hormone(s). Examples include adult growth hormone deficiency , diabetes insipidus or hypopituitarism . Conditions that alter the size and/or shape of the pituitary gland. Examples include empty sella syndrome . A cell type may divide and then form a small benign lump known as a tumour, and the patient may then suffer from the effects of too much of the hormone the cell produces. If the tumour grows very large, even though still benign, it may squash the surrounding cells and stop them working (hypopituitarism), or push upwards and interfere with vision – a visual field defect. Very occasionally, the tumour may expand sideways and cause double vision as it affects the nerves which control eye movements.

It should be emphasised that even when these tumours are large, they usually remain quite benign and very rarely spread to other parts of the body. An Overview of the Pituitary Gland - The Endocrine System’s Master Gland An Overview of the Pituitary Gland The Endocrine System’s Master Gland Pituitary Gland Essentials The hormones of the pituitary gland help regulate the functions of other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland has two parts—the anterior lobe and posterior lobe—that have two very separate functions. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary to release or inhibit pituitary hormone production. The pituitary gland is often dubbed the “master gland” because its hormones control other parts of the endocrine system, namely the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. However, the pituitary doesn’t entirely run the show. In some cases, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to stimulate or inhibit hormone production. Essentially, the pituitary acts after the hypothalamus prompts it.

Anatomy of the Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland is only about 1/3 of an inch in diameter (that’s about as large as a pea) and located at the base of the brain. Since their functions are so intertwined, it’s no surprise that the hypothalamus and pituitary are located near each other. They’re actually connected by the pituitary stalk, or more technically, the infundibulum. The pituitary glands are made of the anterior lobe and posterior lobe. The anterior lobe produces and releases hormones. The posterior lobe does not produce hormones per se—this is done by nerve cells in the hypothalamus—but it does release them into the circulation. Hormones of the Pituitary Gland The hormones of the pituitary gland send signals to other endocrine glands to stimulate or inhibit their own hormone production. For example, the anterior pituitary lobe will release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to stimulate cortisol production in the adrenal glands when you’re stressed. The anterior lobe releases hormones upon receiving releasing or inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus.

These hypothalamic hormones tell the anterior lobe whether to release more of a specific hormone or stop production of the hormone. Anterior Lobe Hormones: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH works with LH to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes. Growth hormone (GH): GH is essential in early years to maintaining a healthy body composition and for growth in children. In adults, it aids healthy bone and muscle mass and affects fat distribution. Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH works with FSH to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes. Prolactin: Prolactin stimulates breast milk production. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones. The posterior lobe contains the ends of nerve cells coming from the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends hormones directly to the posterior lobe via these nerves, and then the pituitary gland releases them. Posterior Lobe Hormones: Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): This hormone prompts the kidneys to increase water absorption in the blood.

Oxytocin: Oxytocin is involved in a variety of processes, such as contracting the uterus during childbirth and stimulating breast milk production. Diseases and Disorders of the Pituitary Gland Pituitary tumors are the most common pituitary disorder, and many adults have them. However, they are not, in the great majority of cases, life threatening. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless—pituitary tumors can disrupt the gland’s normal ability to release hormones. There are two types of pituitary tumors—secretory and non-secretory. Secretory tumors secrete too much of a hormone, and non-secretory tumors don’t secrete excess hormone. These hormonal imbalances can cause problems in many different areas of the body. If you have a secretory tumor that is overproducing thyroid-stimulating hormone, for instance, you will experience hyperthyroidism. Another pituitary disorder is known as pituitary apoplexy. In some cases, pituitary function can be suddenly disrupted (due to bleeding or trauma), creating a life-threatening shortage of vital hormones. If you think you may have a problem with your pituitary gland, you should talk to an endocrinologist.

He or she will help diagnose and treat your hormone-related condition. The pituitary gland is immensely important to the overall function of your endocrine system—and to your overall health. By working with the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland ensures that all your body’s internal processes work as they should. The Pituitary Gland. What is the pituitary gland? Information | Patient This leaflet gives a brief overview of the pituitary gland and the hormones it makes. What is the pituitary gland? The pituitary gland is a gland in the brain which produces chemicals called hormones (an endocrine gland). Hormones are chemical messengers which help different organs in the body communicate with each other. The pituitary gland is one part of a messenger system. The pituitary gland helps to control your body's functions by releasing hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones are transported in your blood to their target. Here they usually cause the release of a second hormone. The target can either be specialised endocrine glands or other types of body tissue such as groups of cells. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the master gland because it controls several other hormone-releasing glands.

Some of the glands the pituitary gland controls are the thyroid gland, the ovaries, the testicles (testes) and the adrenal glands. Where is the pituitary gland found? About the size of a pea, the pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain, behind the bridge of your nose. The pituitary gland is very close to another part of the brain, called the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland has two main parts: The part of the pituitary gland at the front, called the anterior pituitary. The part of the pituitary gland at the back, called the posterior pituitary. These two parts release different hormones which are aimed at different parts of the body. There is also a section between the two main parts, called the intermediate part, which releases a single hormone. The final part of the pituitary gland is the stalk, which connects the posterior pituitary to the hypothalamus. How does the pituitary gland work? Your body is in a constant state of change. Your heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature all change in response to what you do and your surroundings. Your body has systems that constantly monitor these and other vital functions.

Not only must these systems monitor changes, they must also respond to the changes and help the body to restore balance. Some of these systems involve the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are part of several loops or circuits. The loops include other glands. The hormones produced by each gland complete the loops by travelling in the bloodstream between them. The hypothalamus receives information from many sources about the basic functions of your body. It uses the information it receives to help regulate these functions. One of the ways the hypothalamus does this involves controlling the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus does this by using its own hormones to communicate with the pituitary gland. Among the information monitored by the hypothalamus is the level of various hormones in the blood. The hypothalamus has special cells which receive information from the body indicating how much of each hormone is present in the bloodstream. When these hormones drop below a particular level this stimulates the hypothalamus to release hormones. These hormones travel to the pituitary gland, acting as the signal to the pituitary gland to produce one or more of its hormones. The hormones produced by the pituitary gland are released into the bloodstream.

The bloodstream transports the pituitary hormones to other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland hormones may then stimulate their target endocrine glands to produce their own hormones. These locally produced hormones do the actual work of regulating your body. Take the example of the control of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland in your neck. The hypothalamus produces a hormone called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH travels to the pituitary gland and stimulates it to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH travels to the thyroid gland and stimulates it to release thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. When levels of T3 and T4 get high enough, levels in the bloodstream are detected by the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus then knows to stop releasing more TRH. This last part of the loop is called negative feedback and prevents hormone levels from rising too high. The anterior pituitary produces hormones that regulate a wide range of bodily activities, from growth to reproduction. Whether a hormone is released by the anterior pituitary is governed by the hypothalamus. There are at least seven different hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary produces just two hormones.

The anterior pituitary makes and releases several hormones Hormone released Overview of Hypothalamic and Pituitary Hormones Glossary Overview of Hypothalamic and Pituitary Hormones The pituitary gland is often portrayed as the "master gland" of the body. Such praise is justified in the sense that the anterior and posterior pituitary secrete a battery of hormones that collectively influence all cells and affect virtually all physiologic processes. The pituitary gland may be king, but the power behind the throne is clearly the hypothalamus. As alluded to in the last section, some of the neurons within the hypothalamus - neurosecretory neurons - secrete hormones that strictly control secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary. The hypothalamic hormones are referred to as releasing hormones and inhibiting hormones, reflecting their influence on anterior pituitary hormones. Hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones are carried directly to the anterior pituitary gland via hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal veins . Specific hypothalamic hormones bind to receptors on specific anterior pituitary cells, modulating the release of the hormone they produce.

As an example, thyroid-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus binds to receptors on anterior pituitary cells called thyrotrophs, stimulating them to secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH. The anterior pituitary hormones enter the systemic circulation and bind to their receptors on other target organs. In the case of TSH, the target organ is the thyroid gland. Clearly, robust control systems must be in place to prevent over or under-secretion of hypothalamic and anterior pituitary hormones. A prominent mechanism for control of the releasing and inhibiting hormones is negative feedback . Details on the control of specific hypothalamic and anterior pituitary hormones is presented in the discussions of those hormones. The following table summarizes the major hormones synthesized and secreted by the pituitary gland, along with summary statements about their major target organs and physiologic effects. Keep in mind that summaries are just that, and ongoing research continues to delineate additional, sometimes very important effects. Hormone Ovary and testis Stimulates milk ejection and uterine contractions A final point to be made is that individual cells within the anterior pituitary secrete a single hormone (or possibly two in some cases).

Thus, the anterior pituitary contains at least six distinctive endocrinocytes. The cells that secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone do not also secrete growth hormone, and they have receptors for thyroid-releasing hormone, not growth hormone-releasing hormone. The image below is of a section of canine anterior pituitary that was immunologically stained for luteinizing hormone (black stain) and prolactin (purple stain). The unstained cells in the image are those that secrete the other pituitary hormones. Overview of the Pituitary Gland - Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders - Merck Manuals Consumer Version Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders Find information on medical topics, symptoms, drugs, procedures, news and more, written in everyday language. * This is the Consumer Version. * Overview of the Pituitary Gland By Ian M. Chapman, MBBS, PhD, University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital Hypopituitarism The pituitary is a pea-sized gland that is housed within a bony structure (sella turcica) at the base of the brain. The sella turcica protects the pituitary but allows very little room for expansion.

The pituitary controls the function of most other endocrine glands and is therefore sometimes called the master gland. In turn, the pituitary is controlled in large part by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that lies just above the pituitary. By detecting the levels of hormones produced by glands under the pituitary's control (target glands), the hypothalamus or the pituitary can determine how much stimulation the target glands need. Pituitary: The Master Gland The pituitary, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, produces a number of hormones. Each of these hormones affects a specific part of the body (a target organ or tissue). Because the pituitary controls the function of most other endocrine glands, it is often called the master gland. Hormone The pituitary has two distinct parts: Front (anterior) lobe, which accounts for 80% of the pituitary gland's weight Back (posterior) lobe The lobes are connected to the hypothalamus by a stalk that contains blood vessels and nerve cell projections (nerve fibers, or axons). The hypothalamus controls the anterior lobe by releasing hormones through the connecting blood vessels.

It controls the posterior lobe through nerve impulses. The hormones produced by the pituitary are not all produced continuously. Most are released in bursts every 1 to 3 hours, with alternating periods of activity and inactivity. Some of the hormones, such as ACTH, growth hormone, and prolactin, follow a circadian rhythm: The levels rise and fall predictably during the day, usually peaking just before awakening and dropping to their lowest levels just before sleep. The levels of other hormones vary according to other factors. For example, in women, the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which control reproductive functions, vary during the menstrual cycle.

Anterior lobe hormones The anterior lobe of the pituitary produces and releases (secretes) six main hormones: Growth hormone, which regulates growth and physical development and has important effects on body shape by stimulating muscle formation and reducing fat tissue Thyroid-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also called corticotropin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (the gonadotropins), which stimulate the testes to produce sperm, the ovaries to produce eggs, and the sex organs to produce sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) Prolactin, which stimulates the mammary glands of the breasts to produce milk The anterior lobe also produces several other hormones, including one that causes the skin to darken (beta-melanocyte–stimulating hormone) and ones that inhibit pain sensations (enkephalins and endorphins) and help control the immune system (endorphins). Posterior lobe hormones About Pituitary | Knowledge Base About Pituitary What is the Pituitary gland?

So your mind is racing and your heart is pounding - so many questions - so much to take in - where to start? Lets start with the basics. A typical dictionary definition of "Pituitary gland" reads something like: The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is a small ductless gland of the endocrine system that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. It is about the size of a pea and is located at the base of the brain in a small, bony cavity covered by a tough and inflexible membrane. The Endocrine System The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs that involve the release of extracellular signaling molecules known as hormones. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating metabolism, growth, development and puberty, tissue function, and also plays a part in determining mood. The field of medicine that deals with disorders of endocrine glands is endocrinology, a branch of the wider field of internal medicine. Endocrine glands regulate your body chemistry by releasing hormones directly in to the blood system, which stimulate or inhibit activity in the target cells. They are like remote-control devices for your body's many cells and systems.

It would be far too complicated to communicate with each cell in the body directly, so instead the brain controls similar types of cells using hormones released in to the blood stream. To give you an example of how this works, imagine your sudden rise in heart rate when danger threatens or an emergency situation arises - this is caused by another 'remote control' hormone: adrenaline. This hormone, released by the adrenal gland on top of your kidney, has a very immediate and noticeable effect on your body. The hormones released from the pituitary gland are way less dramatic and not nearly as instantaneous, but work in a similar fashion and are critical to your overall health and well-being. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the "master" gland of the endocrine system, because it controls the functions of all the other endocrine glands. This "Master Gland" role makes the pituitary gland quite important, despite its small size. The medical term is hypophysis (from the Greek, "lying under") which refers to the gland's position on the underside of the brain. The term "pituitary" is in reference to secretion, but has come to be synonymous with, and easier to say, than "hypophysis".

The hypothalamus is the bottom part of the brain that connects and communicates with the pituitary gland via nerve fibers. This area of the brain functions as the main control center for the autonomic nervous system by regulating sleep cycles, body temperature, appetite, etc., and that acts as an endocrine gland by producing hormones, including the releasing factors that control the hormonal secretions of the pituitary gland. Regulating growth hormones are what people commonly associate the pituitary gland with. Too large an amount of these hormones causes giantism, a condition where facial features, hands, etc. become abnormally large. Too little causes dwarfism, where the overall stature of a person is very small. While the pituitary gland is responsible for regulating growth hormones, it also sends signals to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, directing them to produce thyroid hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and many more. These hormones have dramatic effects on metabolism, blood pressure, sexuality, reproduction, and other vital body functions, including prolactin for milk production.

The pituitary gland itself is made up of three sections Anterior lobe Prolactin - to stimulate milk production after giving birth ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - to stimulate the adrenal glands TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) - to stimulate the thyroid gland FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries and testes LH (luteinizing hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries or testes Intermediate lobe Melanocyte-stimulating hormone - to control skin pigmentation Posterior lobe ADH (antidiuretic hormone) - to increase absorption of water into the blood by the kidneys Oxytocin - to contract the uterus during childbirth and stimulate milk production Each lobe of the pituitary gland produces certain hormones, each with a specific function. Pituitary problems arise when too much or too little of these hormones are produced. When an imbalance occurs, it can lead to more than a dozen disorders of the endocrine system. Deficiency of thyroid hormone, adrenal cortical hormone (cortisol) or antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) is rapidly life-threatening.

In patients with abnormalities of the other hormones, quality of life is significantly compromised. So you can see why the pituitary gland is so important! What causes the pituitary to malfunction? Tumors (typically benign), inflammation, infections and injury can cause the gland to malfunction, as well as metastasis or spread of other tumors to the pituitary (but this is very rare). Radiation therapy to the brain can also cause normal pituitary cells to malfunction. The problem with pituitary disorders is that they are hard to diagnose because they can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms, and are often confused with other disorders. Due to its location near the brain, symptoms may appear both hormonal and neurological, making diagnosis of pituitary disease difficult. Diagnosis is dependent on analyzing symptoms, signs on examination, blood tests and MRI findings as direct access to the pituitary can only be reached via surgery. Too often pituitary gland dysfunction is not suspect, and tumors can go undetected. So, why do we care? Unfortunately, research shows one out of every five people worldwide has a pituitary tumor. That is a pretty alarming statistic.

We do not know why tumors are so prevalent because before October of 2002 funding for benign brain tumor research was virtually nonexistent. What we need to do now is raise awareness of pituitary disorders so that they are not misdiganosed, allowing pituitary tumors going undetected. What is a pituitary Tumor? A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth of pituitary cells. Pituitary tumors can produce specific hormones, such as prolactin (causing infertility, decreased libido, and osteoporosis), growth hormone (causing acromegaly), ACTH (causing Cushing's), TSH (causing hypothyroidism), or be nonfunctional and not produce hormones at all. These tumors behave according to their cell of origin and are named for the specific cell type affected. For example, if a tumor originates in a prolactin producing cell, the patient develops a prolactinoma-a prolactin secreting pituitary tumor that is common and usually treatable. High prolactin levels suppress production of the pituitary hormones (luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone) that stimulate production of estrogen or testosterone.

Men with these tumors have low testosterone levels and lose their sex drive and eventually their masculine characteristics such as facial hair, muscle mass, develop erectile dysfunction and low sperm count. Women with prolactin producing tumors often do not ovulate, experience low estrogen levels, and cease having menstrual periods. In both cases, patients with low sex hormones develop osteoporosis. It is important to remember that most pituitary tumors are benign and cancer is very rare. They have variable patterns of growth and affect different people in vastly different ways. Some are small and incidental, while others are small but cause hormone excess. Others may be rapidly growing mass lesions. The point is they need early detection and treatment. Enough doom and gloom - typically if diagnosed early enough the prognosis for recovery from pituitary tumors is excellent. If not, some tumors can grow into much bigger problems, ranging from discomfort to death. So early detection is key. Why is early diagnosis such a problem? In a significant minority of patients diagnosis is not made until the individual has developed debilitating or life-threatening symptoms of heart disease or adrenal (uncommon), gonadal and/or thyroid insufficiency.

Even in the 21st century death from a large pituitary tumor or hormonal deficiency still occurs, albeit rarely. Early diagnosis is usually a reflection of a high index of suspicion on the part of a physician. Unfortunately, many doctors have been taught that pituitary disease is rare, so it is not at the forefront of their list of possible diagnoses. PNA is out to change all of that. Which brings us back to you - now wondering how can you get properly diagnosed. If you are suspicious of pituitary disease you should get blood and urinary hormone levels checked and, if indicated, a brain MRI, keeping in mind that microadenomas may not show up on the x-rays. Combinations of three or more of the following may suggest the possibility of a pituitary tumor: sexual dysfunction, depression, galactorrhea, infertility, growth problems, osteoporosis, obesity (specifically central), severe vision problems, easy bruising, aching joints, carpel tunnel syndrome, disrupted menses, early menopause, muscle weakness, fatigue. So if you suspect pituitary dysfunction you should get tested at a hospital with a Neuroendocrine Unit or Pituitary Testing Facility, preferably both.

Pituitary blood tests can be very complicated and must be performed by specially trained technicians who can conduct dynamic hormone testing and precisely-timed blood sampling, administer testing agents, and have special expertise in measuring pituitary hormones. Its not a simple process, which is why problems often go undetected. If a tumor is found, what are the next steps? It depends on the type of tumor and how far it has invaded into the brain, as well as the patient's age and overall health. In general three kinds of treatment are used: surgery (physically removing the tumor during an operation), radiation therapy (using high-dose x-rays/proton beams to kill tumor cells) and drug therapy to shrink and sometimes eradicate the tumor. Drugs can also block the pituitary gland from making too much hormone. Surgery is a common treatment, and it is almost always successful if performed by a skilled and specialized neurosurgeon. The smaller the tumor, the greater the chance the surgery will be successful. Large tumors increase the risk of surgery and are generally associated with a lower probability of cure. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key. Post-surgery recovery in most patients is short.

Patients often report immediate relief from symptoms after Transphenoidal Hypophysectomy and little pain. Some leave the hospital the same day! Radiation therapy may be used if medication and surgery fails to control the tumor. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and abnormal pituitary cells and shrink tumors. The type and size of tumor dictate treatment, and there are many. There are more than a dozen very different disorders that result from pituitary tumors and disease. OK so now maybe some of that adrenaline is in your system causing a bit of panic - so how can you tell if you have a problem? Potential symptoms If a tumor forms in an ACTH secreting pituitary cell, it could result in the overproduction of cortisol (Cushing's Disease) or the underproduction of cortisol (adrenal insufficiency, often referred to as Secondary Addison's Disease). Cushing's is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in central parts of the body (obesity, including a rounded or fat-filled face), diabetes, hypertension, a low serum potassium, thinning and bruising of skin, and osteoporosis. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include dehydration, low blood pressure and sodium level, and excessive weight loss.

Primary Addison's Disease is caused when the adrenal glands fail to respond to directions from the pituitary and hypothalamus. If the tumor forms in a growth hormone producing cell, it can overproduce growth hormone. Tumors that form from growth hormone producing cells cause two different clinical pictures. If they occur in children before the growth plates in long bones have closed, excessive growth hormone will cause gigantism. If the growth hormone excess occurs during adulthood there is excessive enlargement of the hands, feet, and jaw, as well as soft tissue swelling of many tissues (acromegaly). Acromegaly is associated with an increased probability of developing diabetes mellitus, heart attack, hypertension, and certain types of cancer including malignancy of the colon. Most commonly the facial changes develop subtly and may not be noticed by the patient or his/her family. OK, what happens after a tumor is removed or treated? There may be permanent loss of some or all pituitary hormones, an imbalance that can be treated with Hormone Replacement Therapy. HRT can replace thyroid, growth, testosterone, or adrenal hormones when those made by the pituitary to stimulate the endocrine glands are no longer produced.

It can be lifesaving therapy for the many millions of patients who need to replace hormones they no longer make. Which is to say there is quality of life after treatment! So now you know why the pituitary gland is so important, and why if you suspect pituitary dysfunction you should have yourself checked specifically for it. Print Available Now! The Pituitary Patient Resource Guide Sixth Edition is now available! Be one of the first to have the most up-to-date information. The Pituitary Patient Resource Guide a one of a kind publication intended as an invaluable source of information not only for patients but also their families, physicians, and all health care providers. It contains information on symptoms, proper testing, how to get a diagnosis, and the treatment options that are available. It also includes Pituitary Network Association's patient resource listings for expert medical care. Pituitary Tumor: Frequently Asked Questions - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center Pituitary Tumor: Frequently Asked Questions Location of the Pituitary Gland What is the pituitary gland? The pituitary gland is a small gland located inside the skull, just below the brain. It is behind the nasal sinuses and above the roof of the mouth.

The pituitary gland connects to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Together, the hypothalamus and the pituitary control the body’s production of many important hormones. The pituitary gland sits in a tight, bony space. It has little room to grow or expand when swollen, or if there is a tumor. The pituitary gland controls most of the body’s gland activity. This includes the adrenal and thyroid glands. It also includes sex hormone production. In women, it controls egg production (ovulation). In men, it controls testosterone and sperm production in the testicles. It is also believed to be the main control gland of the body’s neuroendocrine system. The pituitary gland has 2 parts: the back part (posterior pituitary) and the front part (anterior pituitary). The back part makes the following hormones: Vasopressin, also called ADH (antidiuretic hormone). This hormone lets the kidneys keep healthy amounts of water and not send it all out in urine. It can also raise blood pressure by causing blood vessels to narrow or tighten. Oxytocin. This female hormone helps the uterus contract during childbirth.

It also helps the breasts release milk when a woman is nursing. The front part of the pituitary makes several kinds of hormones. These hormones control other glands all over the body: Growth hormone (somatotropin). This hormone helps a child's body grow, especially during the teen years (puberty). Adults don’t normally make a lot of this hormone. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotropin). This hormone helps the thyroid gland to grow, and to make and release the thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone controls how your body turns food into energy (metabolism). Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone stimulates the adrenal gland so that it can make certain steroid hormones. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), also called gonadotropins. In women, these hormones control the menstrual cycle ovulation. In men, they control testosterone and sperm production. Prolactin. This hormone helps make milk in a woman’s breast. It’s not clear how it works in men. What are pituitary tumors? A pituitary tumor is a tumor that begins in the pituitary gland.

Most pituitary tumors are not cancer. Cancerous pituitary tumors are very rare. They are so rare that cancer agencies don’t keep track of how many people get them each year. Noncancerous (benign) pituitary tumors are also rare. About 10,000 people in the U.S. get them each year. What are adenomas? There are different kinds of pituitary tumors. Most of these tumors are not cancer. They are called adenomas. They don’t usually spread outside the pituitary gland. But they can greatly affect your health. They can push on nearby parts of the brain. And they may send out excess hormones. Pituitary adenomas are grouped in 2 ways: by their size and by the kind of hormone they make. Size. Pituitary adenomas are grouped into 2 sizes: Microadenomas are tumors that are smaller than 1 centimeter (cm). Macroadenomas are tumors that are bigger than 1 cm. Both kinds of tumors can either make hormones (functional) or not make hormones (nonfunctional). Most pituitary tumors are functional. This means they make excess hormones. Hormones.

Pituitary adenomas are also grouped by whether they make excess hormones. Those that do are called functional. They are then grouped by the type of hormone they make. Functional adenomas include tumors that: Make prolactin Make gonadotropin (LH and FSH) Make thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH and thyrotropin) Some tumors make more than 1 type of hormone. A pituitary adenoma that doesn’t make excess hormones is called nonfunctional. What are the risk factors for pituitary tumors? Certain factors can make 1 person more likely to get a pituitary tumor than another person. These are called risk factors. Doctors are not sure exactly what causes pituitary tumors. Most people who get a pituitary tumor have no known risk factors. The only proven risk factor for a pituitary tumor is a rare condition called MEN1 (multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1). MEN1 syndrome is hereditary. This means it is passed down from parent to child. People with MEN1 have a high risk of getting tumors of the pituitary, the parathyroid, and the pancreas.

If a parent carries the gene change for this rare syndrome, the child has a 50% change of getting MEN1. What are the symptoms of pituitary tumors? Both noncancer and cancerous pituitary tumors can cause symptoms. These may include: Double or blurred vision

Question: The pituitary controls many hormones, but what controls the pituitary?
Answer: Hypothalamus