The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain that plays a pivotal role in regulating critical body functions and general wellbeing. As the master control gland of the endocrine system, the pituitary is responsible for secreting hormones that influence growth, blood pressure, certain functions of the sex organs, metabolism and more.
Anatomy and Function
The pituitary sits in a protected bony cavity behind the bridge of your nose, right below the hypothalamus region of the brain to which it remains connected via nerve pathways. Despite its small size, the pituitary wields tremendous influence through the key hormones it produces, including:
- Growth hormone - Stimulates growth of bone and tissue
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone - Triggers thyroid gland production
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone - Prompts adrenal gland hormone output
- Prolactin - Initiates and sustains milk production
- Endorphins - Regulates pain relief and pleasure
The amount of each hormone released is managed by the hypothalamus, which communicates directly with the pituitary about what is needed, establishing a feedback loop referred to as the
hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
Diseases and Disorders
When functioning properly, the pituitary has an enormous impact on our overall health and vitality. However, problems can arise if hormonal production levels become impaired, usually due to issues with the pituitary itself or its connection to the hypothalamus.
Common disorders include:
- Pituitary adenomas - Benign tumors that can inhibit hormone production
- Pituitary apoplexy - Interruption of blood supply causing tissue damage
- Hypopituitarism - Underactive pituitary resulting in hormone deficiencies
- Hyperpituitarism - Overactive pituitary leading to overproduction of hormones
The wide array of possible symptoms includes headaches, vision changes, infertility, abnormal growth, fatigue, increased thirst/urination, erectile dysfunction and more.
At Vitality Balance Clinic, we specialize in effectively diagnosing and treating all types of pituitary conditions through comprehensive testing, medical management and support services. Our experienced endocrinologists take a holistic approach focused on understanding all aspects of your health to uncover underlying causes and customize integrated treatment plans utilizing
the latest therapeutic approaches to optimize hormone levels and restore wellbeing.
We also provide patient education every step of the way so you can fully understand your condition and feel empowered about your care. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation to see how we can help get your pituitary function back on track!