Pituitary Dysfunction
The Pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain, behind the eyes. It is connected to the bottom of the brain - the hypothalamus - by a stalk. It produces hormones that control the function of many of our other hormone-producing, or endocrine, glands such as the ovaries, testicles, thyroid and adrenals. It also produces growth hormone (essential for growth in children, and wellbeing in adults), Vasopressin, which we need to work in the kidney in order to retain fluid, and Prolactin - essential for milk production in breast-feeding women.
PITUITARY FAILURE causes fatigue due to lack of growth hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone, with weight gain and dry skin, failure of menstruation, impotence, loss of pubic hair, increased thirst and the passage of large volumes of weak urine - diabetes insipidus.
PITUITARY OVER-ACTIVITY usually involves the cells producing growth hormone or prolactin. In childhood excess growth hormone causes giantism, in adulthood it causes acromegaly with large hands and feet, large tongue and coarse facial features. Excess prolactin causes absence of periods and, sometimes, the continuous production of milk - called galactorrhea.Because of its position, enlargement of the pituitary can interfere with the nerves from the eyes, causing problems with vision.
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