Information and support - Pituitary Foundation

The Basics

New to the pituitary gland 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Conditions

Pituitary conditions occur when the pituitary gland disfunctions and causes an imbalance of hormones. This may be due to a non-cancerous tumour. Find out more about the conditions using the boxes below.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results from too much Growth Hormone in the body. It can cause parts of the body to grow abnormally.

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing's disease is a condition caused by having too much of a hormone called cortisol in your body. It can be serious if it's not treated. Symptoms usually develop gradually and so the diagnosis may not be clear for some time.

AVP Deficiency (Diabetes Insipidus)

Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency (AVP-D), formerly known as Cranial Diabetes insipidus (DI), is caused by a problem with either the production, or action, of the hormone vasopressin (AVP). If you have DI your kidneys are unable to retain water.

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Symptoms and Diagnosis

There are a range of different symptoms that are associated with different pituitary conditions. There are a number of tests that can help to diagnose pituitary conditions. You can find out more by clicking the boxes below.

Symptoms of pituitary conditions

There are several symptoms associated with pituitary conditions. These can relate to different pituitary conditions and people will not display all of these symptoms, only the ones relevant to their particular condition.

Diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease

Cushing's disease is a condition caused by having too much of a hormone called cortisol in your body. Due to the range of symptoms that occur over a long time period it can be difficult to diagnose Cushing’s.

Advice on getting a pituitary diagnosis

As pituitary conditions are considered rare; your GP may not have come across another person impacted by a pituitary condition. They may investigate more common conditions before considering pituitary. The suggestions given below could be helpful for you when approaching your GP.

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Treatments

Some people may need surgery to remove a pituitary tumour whilst others may take replacement hormones. All of the treatment options are outlined below, click on the box to find out more.

Surgery

Some people affected by pituitary conditions may need surgery to remove the tumour.

Hormone Therapy

If your pituitary gland isn't functioning properly, you may not produce hormones that are essential for your wellbeing and vital bodily functions. You may need to take hormone replacements which will be prescribed to you by your doctor.

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Living with a pituitary condition

Many pituitary conditions are long term, and can have a significant impact on how you live your life. The information below outlines some guidance that you may find useful as you live day to day with a pituitary condition, or support someone who does.

Caring for a child with a Pituitary condition

If your child has a pituitary condition, you need to know how to live with giving them additional care day to day. Here is some information and resources to help.

Caring for an adult with a Pituitary condition

Some adults may need additional support from someone they live with. We can provide support for people caring for others with a pituitary condition.

Coping Emotionally

Being faced with a pituitary condition, with possible life-long implications can be puzzling. We provide support to help you navigate this.

Employment

Having a long-term conditions may impact your ability to work, however employers should be able to provide relative adjustments to support you.

School and College

Living with a pituitary condition can sometimes be challenging with regard to going to school, homework, exams and going on outings.

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Healthcare Professionals

We are here to work with you to help support anyone affected by a pituitary condition. Your expert care and our additional support services, can ensure the best care for patients.

Endocrine Teams

We are here to work with you to help support anyone affected by a pituitary condition. We have a range of support services and information for your patients.

Information for GPs

If you have a patient with a pituitary condition then we are here to offer additional support and guidance.

Pharmacists

As a pharmacist you are on the front line of healthcare and may come into contact with a pituitary patient who is dependent on hydrocortisone (HC). Hospital pharmacists might also be involved in hydrocortisone prescribing, for a patient on a ward or a newly diagnosed patient through the Endocrinology Department.

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Pituitary Conditions

Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Living with a Pituitary Condition

Healthcare Professionals

The Basics

Conditions

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Treatments

Living with a pituitary condition

Healthcare Professionals