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

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Pituitary Conditions
Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Living with a Pituitary Condition
Healthcare Professionals
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What are you looking for?
  • Pituitary Conditions
  • Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
  • Living with a Pituitary Condition
  • Healthcare Professionals

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%

of attendees rated our events good or excellent

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

Liverpool November Support Group Meeting

02/11/2024

Join us for the next Liverpool support group meeting.

Man standing in front of a powerpoint presentation

Welcome to The Pituitary Foundation – November

06/11/2024

Join us at one of our bi-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.

Nottingham November Support Group Meeting

09/11/2024

Join us for the the Nottingham support group meeting.

Acromegaly with Dr Rob Murray

12/11/2024

Join us for a great opportunity to learn more about acromegaly with Dr Rob Murray

Birmingham November Support Group Meeting

16/11/2024

The group will be joined by endocrine nurse Lisa Sheppard for the November meeting.

Guildford & Surrey November support group meeting

16/11/2024

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

More events

News and updates

Sussex support group relaunches

24th October 2024

Sick Day Rules Update

24th October 2024

Pituitary Awareness Month: Relevant books

14th October 2024
More news and updates
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