Supporting everyone in the pituitary community, every step of the way.

The Basics

New to pituitary or not sure where to start? We'll explain what the pituitary gland is and take you through the first things you need to know.

What is the Pituitary Gland?
The pituitary gland secretes hormones which carry messages around the body via the bloodstream. It controls several hormone glands in the body, including the thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testes, so is often described as the master gland.
Emergency Info for AI and AVP-D (DI)
In case of emergency you should call 999. This page outlines the sick day rules and other emergency information for both Adrenal Insufficiency and AVP Deficiency (Diabetes Insipidus).
Causes of Pituitary Conditions
There are a range of causes for pituitary conditions, the most common being a non-cancerous tumour. Other causes include traumatic brain injury.
What are Hormones?
Hormones are chemicals which circulate in the blood stream and spread around the body to carry messages or signals to different parts of the body.
Major Endocrine Glands and Other Organs
There are a number of endocrine glands across the body which work together to secrete hormones. There are also several organs that contain endocrine tissue.
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Our Impact

Our vision is that all people with pituitary conditions live well, now and in the future. We work with everyone with a pituitary condition, their support networks and healthcare professionals to raise pituitary awareness and reduce time to diagnosis.

2500+

support enquiries answered

2300

members in our network

92%

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Your Stories

Nadine’s story: Living with a physical disability and Cushing’s disease

Teagan’s Story: Prolactinoma and University

Steven’ story: A Cushing’s diagnosis after unexplained weight gain

Join an event

Group of people on chairs in support meeting

Solent & Isle of Wight March Support Group Meeting

23/03/2024

Join us for our first meeting in 2024!

Coventry March Support Group Meeting

24/03/2024

Join us for a relaxing spring walk in March

ZipWorld Velocity 2 2024

24/03/2024

Calling all adrenaline seekers. Fly down the World's fastest zipline whilst raising funds to support people with pituitary conditions.

Man standing in front of a powerpoint presentation

Welcome to The Pituitary Foundation

04/04/2024

Join us at one of our monthly Welcome Events to get to know us and learn a bit more about the work we do and the support we offer to the pituitary community.

Plymouth April Support Group Meeting

11/04/2024

The South West Support Group are meeting in Plymouth. Providing an opportunity to meet others affected by pituitary conditions in the South West area.

A group of people sat round tables listening to a talk.

London April Support Group Meeting

13/04/2024

Join the London Area Pituitary Patients group in April.

News and updates

Research Opportunity: Body clock disruption and mental health

18th March 2024

Research Opportunity: People with acromegaly

28th February 2024

Attending the SIMBA Adrenal event

28th February 2024
Think Pituitary was our 2021 campaign which sought improved and ongoing training for health care professionals who care for pituitary patients.

It is vital that people with conditions like adrenal insufficiency and diabetes insipidus feel safe going into hospital and able to trust they will receive the necessary treatment.

Find out more