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Causes could include:
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Decreased Oxytocin Secretion
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Decreased Follicle Stimulating Hormone Secretion
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Decreased Luteinizing Hormone Secretion
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Decreased Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Secretion
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Decreased Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Secretion
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The pituitary gland is a small structure that is located just below the brain. It is attached by a stalk to the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls its function.The hormones released by the pituitary gland(and their functions) are:.A...
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There are three major mechanisms which lead to the development of hypopituitarism. The first involves decreased release of hypothalamic hormones that stimulate pituitary function.
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There are several factors that can lead to the damage of the pituitary gland and the development of hypopituitarism. Causes can be congenital(from birth) or developed at a later stage in life.
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Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin in the blood.Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
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The luteinizing hormone(LH) test is a test of the blood or urine to measure the level of luteinizing hormone(lutropin). This hormone level is highest immediately before a woman ovulates during her menstrual cycle.The LH test is frequently used to ...
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Growth hormone deficiency involves abnormally short stature with normal body proportions. Growth hormone deficiency may be congenital(present at birth) or acquired(the result of an injury or medical condition).An abnormally short height in childho...
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Detailed information on growth hormone deficiency, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland, the part of the brain that regulates the body''s balance of hormones.The pituitary gland is a pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary regulates and co...
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Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths in the pituitary gland.Located in the brain, the pituitary gland is often referred to as the"master gland" of the body. This is because it makes and releases(secretes) at least nine distinct hormones(including...
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Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of pituitary tumors.Pituitary tumors are tumors found in the pituitary gland, a small organ about the size of a pea in the center of the brain just above the back of the nose. The pituitary gland makes hormones that affect growth and the functions of other glands in the body. Pituitary tumors may be grouped as follows:
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Detailed information on pituitary gland tumors, including symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment
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Pituitary tumors rarely spread outside of the skull. In fact, they rarely even spread to nearby tissues in the skull. Usually they grow in their own location and may eventually invade the optic nerves, which affect vision, then nearby parts of the brain. In most instances the symptoms, bring people to a doctor before the tumor spreads.
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Certain factors can make one person more likely to get a pituitary tumor than another person. These are called risk factors. In some cancers, doctors have identified risk factors that can be avoided, such as smoking or sun exposure. With pituitary tumors, doctors are not sure what exactly causes pituitary tumors and only one risk factor has been identified. Most people who get a pituitary tumor have no known risk factors.
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There are no standard screening methods used to find pituitary tumors. If a person has MEN1, they should discuss screening with their doctor. For members of a family with the MEN1 syndrome, blood testing may be recommended to look for pituitary hormone levels. These blood tests raise the chances of finding a tumor early so it can be treated.
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With some kinds of small pituitary tumors, it is possible to use medication to stop the tumor from growing. Sometimes, it is possible to avoid surgery altogether and only be treated with medication. Medications are used to treat pituitary adenomas that secrete prolactin. The medicines commonly used are bromocriptine (Parlodel), octreotide (Sandostatin) and cabergoline (Dostinex). Although the medicine cannot destroy the tumor completely, they can control its hormone production and often can make it smaller.
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Any person who is suspected to have a pituitary tumor should have a complete medical evaluation. This includes a completely personal and family medical history. The doctor will find out if anyone in the person's family has had a pituitary tumor, kidney stones, stomach ulcers, low blood sugar, or adrenal gland tumors. The doctor will also do a physical exam including visual testing. These exams will help the doctor decide whether or not to do further testing.
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Because there are no avoidable risk factors for pituitary tumors, there is no known way at this time, to prevent them from happening. If a person has the known risk factor, they should talk with their doctor.
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People with a benign or cancerous pituitary tumor may have any or all of the following symptoms. These could also be the sign of other problems. A person who has them should see their doctor.
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Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths on the pituitary gland. Some tumors secrete hormones normally made by the pituitary gland.Located in the center of the brain, the pituitary gland manufactures and secretes hormones that regulate growth, sexual...
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According to the American Cancer Society, each year there are roughly 2,000 pituitary tumors diagnosed in the United States. Most are adenomas and are not cancerous. Pituitary tumors are very rarely fatal.
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Researchers are always finding new treatments for pituitary tumors and improving current treatments. Pituitary tumors are almost never fatal.
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