Pituitary Disorder Specialist

What is a pituitary disorder?

Your pituitary gland is situated at the base of your brain and is about the size of a pea. It’s sometimes called the master gland because it helps produce hormones that control many of the body’s functions. Examples of hormones the pituitary gland is responsible for include:

• Prolactin, which stimulates milk production in women
• Growth hormone, which affects metabolism and growth
• Oxytocin, which stimulates the uterus to contract during childbirth
• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which increases water absorption into the blood
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates your adrenal glands
• Melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which controls skin pigmentation
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which affect the testes and ovaries
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates your thyroid gland

If your pituitary gland isn’t working as it should, hormone imbalances can cause unpleasant side effects and serious medical complications.

What are some complications of pituitary disorders?

If you have a pituitary disorder like a pituitary tumor, you might experience one or more of the following health conditions and their symptoms:

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a condition associated with excessive growth hormone caused by pituitary tumors. Gigantism and enlarged feet, hands, and face can occur.

Cushing’s disease

Cushing’s disease results from excess production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It’s associated with depression, weight gain, muscle weakness, depression, easy bruising, and impotence.

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus can result from too little antidiuretic hormone (ADH), causing excessive thirst, electrolyte imbalances, and overproduction of diluted urine.

Growth hormone insufficiency

Growth hormone insufficiency causes short stature and growth problems in children, muscle weakness, fatigue, and changes in body fat composition.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency

If you have TSH deficiency, low thyroid levels can cause fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, and heat and cold sensitivity.

ACTH deficiency

With ACTH deficiency you might experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and confusion.

LH and FSH deficiency

LH or FSH deficiency in women can cause hot flashes, lack of milk production for breastfeeding, and irregular periods. Men might experience erectile dysfunction, mood changes, or decreases in body hair.

Prolactin deficiency

If you’re a woman with prolactin deficiency, you might not produce enough milk for sufficient breastfeeding.

How are pituitary disorders diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Shapiro reviews your medical history and symptoms and orders lab, imaging, vision, insulin, glucose tolerance, or other tests to diagnose your condition. Treating pituitary disorders is based on the type of complication you have and can include:

• Medications, including hormone replacement
• Periodic CT or MRI monitoring
• Surgery to remove pituitary growths
• Radiation treatment
• Treatment for an underlying medical condition

Don’t let a pituitary disorder negatively affect your life or lead to serious complications. Schedule an appointment with our endocrinologist at Brighton Beach Medical Group today.