Pituitary gland disorders

Pituitary Gland Disorders
Details
System	Endocrine system
Identifiers
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

The pituitary gland disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is often dubbed the "master gland" because it controls several other hormone glands in the body, including the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. It is responsible for regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing.

Types of Disorders

Pituitary gland disorders can result from various causes, including tumors, genetic mutations, and systemic diseases. Some of the most common disorders include:

Pituitary adenoma

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors that occur in the pituitary gland. They can secrete excess hormones or cause local symptoms by compressing nearby structures.

Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism is a condition characterized by the underproduction of one or more of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland. This can result from pituitary damage or disease.

Hyperpituitarism

Hyperpituitarism is the excessive production of one or more pituitary hormones, often due to a pituitary adenoma.

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder that affects water metabolism, preventing the body from conserving water and releasing too much of it.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pituitary gland disorders vary depending on the specific disorder and the hormones involved. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, unexplained weight changes, decreased libido, and visual disturbances.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pituitary disorders typically involves a combination of hormone blood tests, imaging studies such as MRI scans of the pituitary gland, and sometimes biopsy of pituitary tissue.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific disorder and may include hormone replacement therapy, surgery to remove tumors, or radiation therapy to shrink tumors.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with pituitary gland disorders varies widely depending on the type of disorder, its severity, and the effectiveness of treatment.

See also

• Endocrine system
• Hormone
• Neuroendocrinology