Pituitary Disorders

Pituitary disorders are conditions that affect the pituitary gland. This small organ at the base of the skull makes hormones that control many of the body’s functions, including the work of the thyroid gland and other organs. Pituitary disorders can be caused by noncancerous tumors that cause the pituitary gland to produce too much or not enough of a specific hormone. They can also be caused by head injuries, stroke, brain hemorrhage and radiation treatments to the head and neck, among other causes.

MultiCare endocrinologists treat a variety of pituitary disorders, many of which are rare. Pituitary disorders include:

• Acromegaly: This condition occurs during adulthood when the pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone. Acromegaly can cause a person to have large hands and feet and exaggerated facial features.
• Craniopharyngioma: This noncancerous brain tumor may increase brain pressure or disrupt pituitary function as it grows.
• Cushing disease: Cushing disease is a type of Cushing syndrome, which develops when your body has too much of the stress hormone cortisol. Cushing disease develops when the pituitary gland produces too much of a hormone called adrenocorticotropin. That, in turn, prompts the adrenal glands to make too many corticosteroids.
• Hormone imbalances: The pituitary gland can produce too little growth hormone, leading to growth hormone deficiency. The condition can occur in both children and adults.
• Prolactinoma: This is a noncancerous tumor that causes the pituitary gland to make too much of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The condition affects menstruation and sexual function and can cause fertility problems.

A MultiCare endocrinologist will partner with you to determine the best form of treatment, based on the type of pituitary disorder you have, your symptoms and overall health, among other factors. Common treatments for pituitary disorders include:

• Medication: Your endocrinologist may prescribe a medication that replaces a specific hormone if your body isn’t making enough or one that prompts the body to reduce production of an overabundant hormone.
• Surgery: This may be necessary to remove a tumor.
• Radiation therapy: You may receive this treatment after or in place of surgery to reduce a tumor.

As part of your overall treatment plan, you may need care for complications related to a pituitary disorder, such as changes in vision caused by a tumor.