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, 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 (previously 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.

34,900+

support enquiries answered

2100+

members in our network

95%

of attendees rated our events good or excellent

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

Join an event

Truro May Support Group Meeting

12/05/2026

The South West Support Group are meeting in Truro, Cornwall.

Psychological impacts of appearance related distress

14/05/2026

Join us for the opportunity to learn from Dr Alyson Norman during World Mental Health Awareness Week!

Guildford and Surrey May support group meeting

16/05/2026

Friendly support for anyone affected by pituitary conditions in the Surrey area.

Taunton/Yeovil May Support Group Meeting

19/05/2026

The South West Support Group are meeting in South Petherton, Somerset.

Working with your endocrine team

28/05/2026

Join us for a fantastic opportunity to learn how pituitary patients can work most effectively with their endocrine team

Four Falls Trek 2026

30/05/2026

Walk between 10 of the very best Brecon Beacons waterfalls (as well as caves), covering a total of 15km! It’s a route to remember and one of our most picturesque challenges!

News and updates

ambulance driving

Tell us about your adrenal crisis experience in this new survey

11th May 2026
Fatigue study flyer

Research Opportunity: A new research questionnaire on fatigue and pitutiary conditions

10th April 2026
a jar of powdered hydrocoirtisone, the cardboard box it comes in and the vial of water it comes with

Important update on liquid hydrocortisone supply

27th March 2026