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 (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

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

Leicester Get-Together

22/03/2025

Join us at the Leicester Get-Together March 2025, an opportunity to hear from medical experts and meet others affected by pituitary conditions!

Birmingham March Support Group Meeting

22/03/2025

Join us for the next Birmingham support group meeting.

York March Support Group Meeting

22/03/2025

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

Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon 2025

23/03/2025

Join Team Pituitary at Hampton Court Half Marathon, and help to raise valuable funds.

Employment rights and chronic conditions online talk with Ezra MacDonald

26/03/2025

Join us for an online event looking at employment rights.

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

London March Support Group Meeting

29/03/2025

The London Area Pituitary Patients group will be meeting on Saturday 29th March.

News and updates

AVP deficiency survey: Call out for clinician input

6th March 2025
Someone is dispensing tablets into a tablet tray

Update on supply issue with desmopressin nasal spray 

5th March 2025

School, netball and a pituitary tumour - Tessa's story of a childhood craniopharyngioma

28th February 2025
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!

Find out more