PITUITARY DISORDERS

What is the pituitary gland?

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.

What causes pituitary disorders?

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

The most common cause of pituitary disorders is pituitary tumors. They are usually noncancerous growths of pituitary cells.

Pituitary tumors may make the pituitary gland produce too much of specific hormones. These tumors are called secretory tumors.
A nonsecretory 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 pituitary gland or other areas in the brain causing headaches, and vision problems.

What types of problems are caused by pituitary disorders?

Pituitary disorders cause a broad range of symptoms and can affect:

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

How are they diagnosed?

Blood and urine tests as well as an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be used for detecting pituitary disorders. Because pituitary disorders and tumors can cause a variety of symptoms, people are often misdiagnosed.

How are they treated?

Treatment depends on the nature of the problem. Hormone replacement therapy is common for replacing a low supply of hormones. Tumors are treated by radiation therapy, drug therapy, or surgery.

For more information, contact The Hormone Foundation at 800-HORMONE or visit their Web site at www.hormone.org, or the Pituitary Network Association at 805-499-9973 or their Web site at www.pituitary.org.

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.

HIA File DHD3918F.HTM Release 9.0/2006