If you’re interested in the functions of the pituitary gland, then you’ve come to the right place. This gland is responsible for secreting hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions. These hormones can also affect your emotions and help regulate your weight.
Hypopituitarism
Hypopituitarism occurs when the pituitary gland does not secrete enough trophic hormones. This condition is less common than panhypopituitarism and is caused by a variety of factors. It can occur at any age and is a rare disease.
Hypopituitarism can be a lifelong condition requiring long-term therapy. This therapy replaces the hormones that are deficient in the pituitary gland. However, patients often resist long-term therapy because of publicity about the adverse side effects of the medication.
Hypopituitarism can be caused by a number of conditions, including a tumor that grows in or outside the pituitary gland. Genetic abnormalities can also cause this condition. While most patients with hypopituitarism are asymptomatic, some patients may experience symptoms that resemble other disorders.
An accident or trauma to the head or neck can cause damage to the pituitary stalk. In addition, tumors located near the sella turcica may press against the pituitary stalk and result in hypopituitarism. Other causes include disorders of the hypothalamus or a malformation of the pituitary gland.
The diagnosis of hypopituitarism requires a comprehensive evaluation of all possible causes. Inflammatory hypophysitis is a rare cause of hypopituitarism and is usually caused by an autoimmune or inflammatory process. Inflammatory hypophysitis results in a decreased production of certain hormones, such as thyroid stimulating hormone and gonadotropin.
Hypopituitarism can affect different aspects of your life. A decrease in the release of these hormones can be life-threatening. The absence of these hormones can cause weight gain and bone and muscle issues, as well as fertility problems. Treatment options can vary, depending on the type of hypopituitarism.
Growth hormone deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency is a rare condition in which a person does not produce enough growth hormone (GH). The pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the skull, produces several hormones, including GH, which helps the body grow. Its deficiency can affect infants, children, and adults. GH works by sending messages throughout the blood to the muscles and organs of the body.
When the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone, children do not grow properly. This can be caused by a variety of causes, including birth defects or brain injury. If you are concerned about your child’s growth, use a growth chart to see how much he or she has grown compared to the normal range.
If your child has not yet reached puberty, a doctor may recommend testing for growth hormone. A MRI scan of the brain will show if the pituitary gland is functioning properly. In addition to testing for growth hormone levels, your child will also have blood cholesterol and bone density measurements.
Growth hormone deficiency in pituitsary gland is caused by a malfunction of the GHRHR gene. The GHRHR gene is responsible for triggering the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Several mutations in this gene inhibit this process. As a result, growth hormone levels fall below normal and body fat and blood sugar levels rise.
Types of growth hormone deficiency include Type IA and Type III. Type IA is the most severe type, and results in severely stunted growth. Affected children will grow very slowly and will be very small in comparison to their siblings. Growth failure will typically show up in early to mid-childhood.
Empty sella syndrome
Empty sella syndrome is a condition in which the pituitary gland does not function properly. This condition typically affects young obese women. If not treated, it can result in abnormal levels of certain hormones and a loss of pituitary function. Most cases of this condition are non-life-threatening. However, if symptoms do occur, it is important to visit a physician right away. Your doctor will do a thorough physical exam and perform tests to rule out other causes of this syndrome. If the symptoms do not go away, your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat your condition.
Empty sella syndrome (ESS) occurs when the bony structure at the base of the brain that surrounds the pituitary gland flattens and dilated. When this happens, the pituitary gland appears to be missing on an imaging test. Women with high blood pressure and obesity are at high risk for this syndrome. The condition can also result from a stroke or radiation therapy.
If you are a doctor, you should check if your patients have this condition. Some patients with this condition have no symptoms at all. However, those with symptoms may develop irregular menstrual periods and impotence. If you do not notice any symptoms, it is likely that your condition is caused by something else.
Empty sella syndrome is a rare condition in which the pituitary gland is not visible or is severely shrunken. The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland that is located in the center of the brain, behind the nasal cavity. It is protected in a bony cavity called the sella turcica. The sella is responsible for controlling the release of various hormones.
Acromegaly
Acromegaly of the pituitous gland is an abnormal condition that causes a high rate of growth in the patient. It results from malfunction of the pituitary gland, which continues to secrete growth hormones throughout the person’s life. This condition is also known as gigantism and can be cured by surgery. The procedure involves accessing the pituitary gland through the sphenoid sinus, a small opening in the body located mostly within the skull.
Cushing’s syndrome
Pituitary gland involvement in Cushing syndrome can cause a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, acne, erectile dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities. It can also lead to high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis. Pituitary gland involvement is often genetic, although there are some environmental triggers.
A pituitary adenoma (a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland) can cause the body to produce too much ACTH, a hormone essential for healthy body function. While most pituitary adenomas are benign, some may be cancerous.
In addition to an MRI of the pituitary, a CT scan can show the size and shape of the pituitary gland and adrenal glands, and help determine whether a tumor is present. Imaging tests, however, can’t be 100% accurate – up to 50% of patients with Cushing’s syndrome will have a normal MRI, while 10% will have a tumor unrelated to the syndrome.
Surgery is an option for some people with Cushing’s syndrome, although it is not a cure for all cases. Surgical removal of a pituitary adenoma (a tumour that secretes ACTH) is the most effective treatment for Cushing’s disease. This surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a tiny cut inside the nose (transsphenoidal surgery), allowing him or her to see the tumour inside. A patch is then attached to the back of the nose to cover the incision.
Drug therapy is a common treatment for Cushing’s syndrome, but it can also trigger the symptoms. The use of glucocorticoid drugs can suppress the adrenal glands, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Surgical removal of the adrenal gland, however, isn’t widely available for dogs.
