Pituitary disorders
- What it is
The pituitary gland is a small hormone gland at the base of the brain. It is sometimes called the “master hormone gland”, as it produces many important hormones that in turn control many other hormone glands. The pituitary gland is therefore involved in the production of important hormones, such as cortisol, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, growth hormone, prolactin (a hormone that stimulates milk production after childbirth), and anti-diuretic hormone (a hormone which maintains a normal salt and water balance in the body).
There is a wide range of pituitary disorders. These may include:
- Pituitary tumours
- Pituitary hormone deficiencies
- Pituitary hormone overproduction