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

Sheffield April support group meeting

29/04/2025

Friendly support group for those affected by pituitary conditions in Sheffield.

Taunton April Support Group Meeting

29/04/2025

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

Plymouth May Support Group Meeting

08/05/2025

Join us for our support group meeting in Plymouth.

Birmingham May Support Group Meeting

10/05/2025

Join us for a meal and social get-together.

Tough Mudder – London West 5K – Saturday

10/05/2025

Get ready to get muddy! Run for The Pituitary Foundation at this Tough Mudder event! Culden Faw Fawley, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AP, UK

Tough Mudder – West London 15k – Saturday

10/05/2025

Get ready to get muddy! Run for the pituitary foundation at this Tough Mudder event! Culden Faw Fawley, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AP, UK

News and updates

Factors influencing self-management of adrenal crises in patients with adrenal insufficiency: A qualitative study

28th April 2025
A cartoon speakerphone on a teal background

We're pushing for action on the desmo nasal spray shortage

14th April 2025
A photo of the CoMICs logo, showing a cartoon speech bubble with 'CoMICs' written in red

Watch our new Cushing's awareness video!

7th April 2025
Join us at our Newcastle Get-Together and meet people in the community in person!

We’re coming to Newcastle for our fifth 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, Cardiff and Leicester!. We look forward to bringing you all together in the North!

Find out more