The pituitary gland controls the body's metabolism, growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions and processes through the secretion of hormones.
The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland that plays a major role in regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing.
It is referred to as the body's 'master gland' because it controls the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands.
The pituitary gland is called the master gland of the endocrine system.
This is because it controls many other hormone glands in the body.
And without it, the body wouldn't reproduce, wouldn't grow properly and many other bodily functions just wouldn't function.
The hormones your pituitary gland releases have effects on many parts of your body, especially your: Thyroid.
Reproductive system organs, including the ovaries and testes.
Adrenal glands.
Lack of blood flow to the brain or pituitary gland (stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhage) into the brain or pituitary gland.
Certain medications, such as narcotics, high-dose corticosteroids or certain cancer drugs called checkpoint inhibitors.
Most pituitary adenomas are known as non-functional adenomas and do not produce excessive amounts of hormones, while others can result in hormone overproduction, causing serious endocrine problems, such as acromegaly (GH excess), Cushing's syndrome (ACTH excess) or prolactinoma (prolactin excess).
If the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone in a child, they may have a permanently short stature.
If it doesn't produce enough follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone, it might cause problems with sexual function, menstruation, and fertility.
The signs and symptoms of a malfunctioning pituitary gland include.
Anxiety or depression.
Diabetes.
Hair loss.
High blood pressure.
Irregular menstrual periods.
Unexpected breast milk production.
Low energy or low sex drive.
Stunted growth or unusual growth spurts.