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

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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, adrenal glands, 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.

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Our Story Become a Member

Your Stories

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

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

Serena’s story: Surgery for prolactinoma

Living With a Pituitary Condition Tell your story

Join an event

Welcome Event April

09/04/2025

Join our quarterly zoom session where we will welcome you to The Pituitary Foundation....

Man standing in front of a powerpoint presentation

Cushing’s Day: Educational Event for Healthcare Professionals

10/04/2025

Join us in person for an educational day to mark Cushing's Awareness Day

Richmond Park Half – April

13/04/2025

Join us at Richmond Park Half Marathon. It has been managed as a royal deer park since the seventeenth century, it’s likely you’ll spot some deer around the course!

Growth Hormone Online Talk with Sherwin Criseno

17/04/2025

We'll be joined by Sherwin Criseno from University Hospitals Birmingham, who will be giving a talk on Growth Hormone.

Kent April Support Group Meeting

22/04/2025

The new Kent Support Group is hosting their first meeting.

Hormones, Weight, and Nutrition online event with Professor Jonathan Pinkney

24/04/2025

We'll be joined by Professor Jonathan Pinkney, who will be giving a talk on hormones, weight, and nutrition.

More events

News and updates

A person wearing a lab coat and blue latex gloves is holding a set of test tubes

Cortisol and Cushing's: Exploring health, disease and the current research landscape

1st April 2025

Research opportunity: Using advanced imaging to detect pituitary adenomas

25th March 2025

A cartoon infographic showing the top ten research priorities from the international PitCOP study

Pituitary adenoma surgery: What are the research priorities?

21st March 2025

More news and updates

Join us at our Leicester Get-Together and meet people in the community in person!

We’re coming to Leicester for our fourth Get-Together! These are our in-person events where you get to hear from incredible speakers and meet others affected by pituitary conditions. We’ve already had a few successful events in Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff. We look forward to bringing you all together in the East Midlands!

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