The pituitary gland might be small, but it plays a big role in your body. Often dubbed the “master gland,” it controls the hormones that affect growth, metabolism, and stress responses.
Given its wide range of responsibilities, a damaged pituitary gland can be life-altering.
Here, our team of board-certified endocrinologists at The Endocrine Center in Houston, Texas, explains the leading causes behind pituitary disorders and how we treat them.
Tumors are the most common cause of pituitary gland damage. Although most are benign, known as adenomas, they’re still problematic.
For instance, tumors can cause your pituitary gland to produce too much or too little of certain hormones. This imbalance can lead to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or acromegaly. You might experience symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or irregular menstrual cycles.
Because your pituitary gland sits at the base of your brain, it’s susceptible to impact and injury, and the resulting damage leads to deficient hormone production. Even if the injury doesn’t seem severe at first, it can have long-term effects on your hormonal balance.
Your symptoms might include headaches, vision problems, and hormonal imbalances that affect various bodily functions.
Bleeding in or around the pituitary gland, also known as pituitary apoplexy, is a medical emergency. It typically occurs when a pituitary tumor suddenly bleeds, causing rapid swelling and pressure on surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of pituitary apoplexy can be severe and sudden, including:
If you experience these issues, seek immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
Drugs that influence hormone levels or brain function can indirectly affect your pituitary gland. For example, long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, which affects hormone balance.
Antipsychotic medications and some antidepressants can also interfere with the gland’s normal functioning. If you’re on long-term medication and notice symptoms like unusual weight changes, mood swings, or fatigue, it’s worth discussing these side effects with our team.
Cancer treatments, while necessary for controlling and eliminating cancer, can damage your pituitary gland.
Radiation — especially targeting your head — can cause deficiencies or excesses in various hormones. You may not notice symptoms immediately, but they can develop over time.
We treat pituitary disorders with a multifaceted approach tailored to your condition.
Hormone replacement therapy can rebalance your system when your pituitary gland fails to produce adequate hormones.
For instance, if you have a growth hormone deficiency, we may prescribe synthetic growth hormone. If you have adrenal insufficiency related to pituitary dysfunction, corticosteroids can manage your symptoms.
If you have a tumor-related pituitary disorder, medications can reduce their size or manage their symptoms.
For example, dopamine agonists, such as cabergoline and bromocriptine, are effective for treating prolactinomas — tumors that secrete excess prolactin. These medications can lower prolactin levels and reduce the size of the tumor.
While medication can be effective, surgery may be a necessary option if the tumor is large or causes significant pressure on surrounding structures. We typically recommend surgical intervention when tumors don’t respond to medication or if they’re growing rapidly.
If you suspect pituitary gland damage or have symptoms of a pituitary disorder, call The Endocrine Center or request an appointment online.
