Illness of the Pituitary gland: Hypophysiary illnesses

Did you know?

The endocrine system is complex and hormone disorders can have potentially profound consequences at a number of levels.

To help you find the best help possible, Concilio’s medical team is by your side to help you find the solution to your endocrine problems.

General information

The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland situated in the brain. It is divided into two sections: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The anterior lobe is responsible for the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The posterior lobe is responsible for the secretion of vasopressin and oxytocin.

Hypophysiary hormones act directly on other glands, like the thyroid or the adrenal glands.

Hormones assure proper implementation of essential functions in the organism, such as bone growth, internal temperature, pregnancy, or emotions. For example, prolactin is responsible for stimulating: Milk production, FSH, sperm production, and the maturation of oocytes.

Illnesses of the pituitary gland

In case of pituitary disfunction, a default or an excessive production of hormones is observed which can cause diverse endocrine disorders.

  • The pituitary gland can be the site of benign tumors (Hypophysiary adenoma), which can cause hormone hypersecretion. Different types of adenoma exist. They are classified according to the hormone secreted: GH adenoma, prolactin adenoma, TSH adenoma… These tumors can also provoke a decrease in certain Hypophysiary hormone secretions (hypopituitarism). These tumors can also be the cause of some vision troubles.

  • Panhypopituitarism corresponds to a deficiency of the ensemble of peripheric glands which are under the control of the pituitary gland and the corresponding metabolisms. The most frequent causes are Hypophysiary necrosis, a rupture of the pituitary stalk, as well as an existing tumor.

  • Other processes can be the cause of Hypophysiary alteration: Tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, syphilis, certain auto-immune disorders, stroke, or meningoencephalitis…

Patients presenting hypopituitarism need hormone replacement treatment for life. Monitoring by an endocrinologist is therefore primordial.

Why is it important to obtain the best care when you are ill?

Concilio enables you to access the best healthcare available to you. Our medical team will personally assist you to help you deal with any health issue.

  • In 45% of cases, your diagnosis or treatment plan could be optimized
  • 9 out 10 doctors prescribe unnecessary medical acts: surgery, repeat investigations, non-compliance with recommended best medical practice
  • All hospitals and clinics are not equal. Some are better suited to treating your illness than others.
  • Medicine is becoming more and more specialized. It can be complicated to obtain reliable medical information and ensure you get to see the medical practitioner that’s right for you and your condition

Fiche Illness of the Pituitary gland: Hypophysiary illnesses

  • Author : Florian Reinaud, MD
  • Date :

754 peer-recommended endocrinologists have been identified by concilio