Pituitary Gland Disorders
What is the pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland is the master gland of the body and is responsible for the production and storage of many of our hormones, as well as directing or stimulating other glands within the body which regulate our bodily functions. It is located at the base of the brain and is around the size of a pea. It is divided into anterior (front) and posterior (back).
When the pituitary gland doesn’t function properly, it can lead to the development of pituitary gland disorders.
The hormones made in the pituitary gland (anterior) are:
Prolactin
This is responsible for the stimulation of breast milk production after childbirth.
An imbalance of high prolactin levels can affect the menstrual cycle, sexual function, and fertility.
Growth Hormone (GH)
This stimulates growth in childhood and assists in maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and well-being in adults. GH also affects fat distribution in the body.
An imbalance of high GH levels in adults can cause Acromegaly and Gigantism in children.
Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)
This stimulates cortisol production by the adrenal glands. It assists in maintaining our blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
An imbalance of ACTH affects cortisol production. Too much cortisol causes Cushing’s Syndrome (or Cushing’s Disease) and too little causes adrenal insufficiency.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
This stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones which regulate our body’s metabolism, energy levels, growth, and our nervous system’s activity.
Too much results in hyperthyroidism and too little results in hypothyroidism (see these pages on this website for more detail on these conditions).
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Which stimulates ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
This stimulates the ovaries in women to produce estrogen and for egg development, and stimulates sperm production in men. It works together with LH in enabling normal function of the testes and ovaries
The hormones stored in the pituitary gland (posterior) are:
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Also known as Vasopressin, this hormone regulates the blood’s sodium levels and the water levels in the body.
Too little ADH results in increased urination and thirst and is known as “diabetes insipidus”.
Oxytocin
Which causes milk flow from the breast during breastfeeding.
Who is at risk of developing pituitary gland disorders?
Pituitary gland disorders can affect anyone of any age or gender. You are at greater risk of developing a pituitary gland disorder if you have a family history of genetic conditions such as:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I (MEN I)
- Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA)
There are also a number of rare pituitary gland disorders.
What are the causes of pituitary gland disorders?
The main cause of pituitary gland disorders results from benign (non-cancerous) pituitary tumours which can cause the body not to make the right levels of hormone required; either too little or too much.
Other causes include:
- Certain medications and cancer treatments
- Bleeding around or in the pituitary gland
- A head injury
What are the symptoms of pituitary gland disorders?
Symptoms of pituitary gland disorders will vary depending upon the hormone affected, or the size and location of the pituitary tumour. There are some common symptoms which can indicate pituitary gland disorders. These include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Diabetes
- Hair loss
- High blood pressure
- Menstrual period irregularity
- Depleted energy levels
- Depleted sex drive
- Unexplained weight gain
- Changes in vision
- Growth changes - stunted growth or unusual growth spurts
- Unexpected production of breast milk
How are pituitary gland disorders diagnosed?
Pituitary gland disorders are often not diagnosed immediately as the symptoms are slow to develop, or they can be confused with symptoms for other conditions. To diagnose if you have a pituitary gland disorder, Dr Nandi may recommend a number of tests, dependent upon your medical history and symptoms. These include:
Hormone tests
To measure your hormone levels and determine a hormone baseline evaluation. These include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Saliva tests
Dynamic tests
Designed to increase or suppress specific hormone production to evaluate your body’s response.
Imaging
Either MRI or CT Scan to confirm the presence of a pituitary tumour.
How are pituitary gland disorders treated?
Dr Nandi offers specialised advice and advanced treatments for pituitary gland disorders. Treatment is based on your individual condition together with your unique needs such as any co-existing conditions (i.e., pregnancy or cancer).
Once your condition has been diagnosed, Dr Nandi will discuss with you in detail all treatment options available. Depending upon the disorder, this could include:
- Hormone replacement and medication
- Surgery for tumour removal
- Radiation therapy
Contact our team today to arrange for your consultation with Dr Nandi on 07 4051 9711.
