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Pituitary Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Endocrine System

Pituitary Disorders

Imbalances in pituitary hormone levels, often due to tumors, can disrupt growth and other gland functions.

Overview

Your pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain. The pituitary is the 'master control gland' - it makes hormones that affect growth and the functions of other glands in the body.

Causes & Risk Factors

With pituitary disorders, you often have too much or too little of one of your hormones. Injuries can cause pituitary disorders, but the most common cause is a pituitary tumor.

  • Injuries to the brain or pituitary area
  • Pituitary tumors (most common cause)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, certain types of pituitary tumors, particularly prolactinomas which secrete prolactin, often respond well to dopamine agonist medications like cabergoline or bromocriptine, which can shrink the tumor and normalize hormone levels. However, other tumors that secrete growth hormone or ACTH, or those that are large and pressing on the optic nerves, typically require surgery or radiation therapy. Your treatment plan will depend on the specific hormone imbalance and the size and location of the tumor.
classic early sign is a specific type of vision loss called bitemporal hemianopsia, where you lose peripheral vision on the outer sides of both eyes. You might notice difficulty seeing cars in your side mirrors or trouble navigating in crowded spaces. If you experience unexplained changes in your field of vision, headaches that do not respond to standard treatment, or hormonal changes like irregular periods or erectile dysfunction, consult a doctor immediately for a visual field test and MRI.
In children, an excess of growth hormone can lead to gigantism, resulting in abnormally tall stature and enlarged hands and feet. In adults, the growth plates have already closed, so excess growth hormone causes acromegaly, which leads to gradual enlargement of the jaw, nose, hands, and feet, along with thickened skin and joint pain. Conversely, a deficiency in growth hormone in children causes short stature, while in adults it leads to increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, and low bone density.
Recovery varies depending on the surgical approach, but most patients are discharged from the hospital within 24 to 48 hours after a transsphenoidal surgery (through the nose). You can expect to return to light desk work within one to two weeks, but you should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and bending over for at least four to six weeks to prevent bleeding or complications. Your doctor will monitor your hormone levels closely during this period to determine if additional hormone replacement therapy is needed.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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