Disorders of the pituitary gland
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What is the pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland is a small but extremely important gland located at the base of the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by producing and releasing hormones that control, among others, the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and the ovaries or testes.
The pituitary gland consists of two parts: the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis). The anterior lobe produces several key hormones, including growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and reproductive hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and prolactin.
The posterior lobe stores hormones produced by the hypothalamus, including those involved in fluid balance and oxytocin. Oxytocin plays an important role in childbirth and breastfeeding.
Common disorders of the pituitary gland
- Acromegaly: disproportionate growth of the hands, feet, nose, jaw, cheekbones, and internal organs, caused by an overproduction of growth hormone.
- Growth hormone deficiency: a condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone.
- Hyperprolactinaemia: a condition where the pituitary gland produces and releases too much prolactin. This is often caused by a benign pituitary tumour, but other causes are also possible.
- Diabetes insipidus: a rare disorder of the pituitary gland that results in a fluid imbalance, leading to excessive thirst and frequent urination.
- Cushing’s disease: a rare condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. It is often caused by a (usually benign) tumour on the pituitary gland.