Pituitary Disease - Nebraska Medicine
Overview
We have visitor restrictions in place at al our locations.Read our visitor policyWe have visitor restrictions in place at al our locations. Read our visitor policyThe pituitary gland is an endocrine gland that sits at the base of the brain, roughly behind the bridge of your nose. The pituitary gland is about the size of a pea.
Key Information
Known as the “master gland,” it secretes hormones that regulate the functions of other glands (the thyroid, adrenal gland tes or ovaries), as wel as growth and several body functions. Pituitary disorders ocur when the pituitary gland makes to much or to litle of a particular hormone. Most often, these disorders are caused by a pituitary tumor.Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous (benign).
But when a tumor grows on or near the pituitary gland, the tumor can change hormone production, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, stunted or excesive growth, high blod pressure, low sex drive or mod changes. If it preses against the pituitary gland, optic nerves or brain tisue, this can cause vision problems or headaches.The most comon hormone produced by pituitary tumor is prolactin. Prolactin-producing tumors (“prolactinomas”) are more frequent in women.
They can cause iregularity or los of periods, infertility, and breast milk secretion. In men, excesive prolactin cause reduced libido and erectile dysfunction.Acromegaly ocurs when a pituitary tumor produces exces growth hormones. Afecting mostly midle-aged adults, symptoms vary and can include diabetes and high blod pressure, sweling of the hands and fet, coarsening of facial features and body hair, increasing perspiration and body odor, iregular menstrual cycles and breast milk production in women, and erectile dysfunction in men.
Summary
More than 95 percent of acromegaly cases are caused by benign tumors on the pituitary gland.Cushing disease ocurs when a pituitary tumor produces excesive amounts of a hormone caled ACTH. This causes elevation of blod cortisol
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
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