Pituitary disorders

The pituitary gland is a small pea sized gland that is located at the base of the brain. It is called the "master gland" because it releases 8 different types of hormones that influence nearly every part of the body. When the pituitary gland does not work right, it may produce either too much or too little of one or more of the hormones.

Pituitary disorders may result from congenital and genetic problems, injury, an impaired blood supply, infection, radiation, or tumors. Pituitary disorders can influence:

• growth in a child
• bone and muscle mass development
• the balance of muscle and fat tissue
• reproduction functions
• water balance
• metabolism function
• blood pressure
• heart function and
• the immune system

The most common cause of pituitary disorders is pituitary tumors. There are two types of pituitary tumors and they are usually noncancerous abnormal growths of pituitary cells. Tumors that produce too much of specific hormones (such as prolactin, ACTH, and TSH) are called secretory tumors. A non-secretory tumor interferes with the ability of the normal pituitary gland to make hormones. Any change in the normal balance of the pituitary hormones causes problems within the body. In addition, as a tumor mass grows, it presses against the normal pituitary gland or other areas in the brain causing headaches, vision problems, and too little hormone secretion.

Blood and urine tests as well as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be used for detecting pituitary disorders. Treatment depends on the nature of the problem. Hormone replacement therapy is common for replacing a low supply of hormones. Tumors are removed by radiation or surgery. Because a variety of symptoms exist for pituitary disorders and tumors, people are often misdiagnosed, especially as tumors grow.

People with undetected pituitary tumors can die from heart attacks, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, or water balance problems. People who are experiencing unusual or prolonged symptoms may need to see an endocrinologist, a healthcare provider that is an expert in hormone related conditions.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File HORM4705.rf2 VRS# 4705 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.