About the Pituitary Gland
What is the pituitary gland?
The Pituitary Gland is often referred to as the control center of the endocrine system. This is because it controls and regulates the functions of the other endocrine glands within the body. Remarkably, this regulating gland is no larger than the size of an average pencil eraser, and is located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is connected to the brain via the hypothalamus. Ensuring that the pituitary gland is healthy and functioning properly is important to the body's overall well-being.
Signs & SymptomsFor Adults
How do I know if I have a Pituitary problem?
If you can answer yes to two or more of these questions, you may need to check with your endocrinologist on an appropriate course of action.
Have you experienced change in vision, either partial or total?
Are you experiencing menstrual irregularities?
Are you experiencing sexual dysfunction?
Are you experiencing an enlargement of the fingers, face or forehead?
Do you bruise easily?
For Children
Are they growing at a normal rate?
Are they showing signs of puberty too early? Girls before age 7? Boys before age 8?
Are they drinking excessive amounts of water (more than 2 quarts per day)?
For Menarchal Girls
Do they have a milky discharge from their breasts?
Have they missed more than one period?
If you feel that you may have symptoms, which could be caused by a pituitary tumor, you should discuss these symptoms with your physician. A detailed history and physical examination will then be done to determine whether measurement of specific pituitary hormones is necessary, as well as formal visual field testing. If findings are suggestive that a tumor may be present, an MRI may be ordered.
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