Understanding Pituitary Hormone Imbalance
The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is crucial in regulating vital bodily functions through its hormone production. This pea-sized, cherry-shaped endocrine gland is often called the “master gland” because it regulates the production and release of various other hormone glands in the body. The hormones it secretes include:
- Growth Hormone (GH) for growth and metabolism
- Prolactin for milk production
- Thyrotropin (TSH) for thyroid function
- Corticotropin (ACTH) for cortisol release
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) for reproductive activities
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) for water balance
- Oxytocin for childbirth and lactation
Like the orchestra conductor coordinating the simultaneous performance of several instrument players or singers, pituitary hormones maintain the hormonal harmony of various endocrine glands. Thus, overproduction (hyperfunctioning pituitary) or underproduction (hypopituitarism) leads to various clinical conditions.
Causes of Pituitary Hormone Imbalance
The common causes of various pituitary disorders include:
Tumors
Adenomas (benign tumors) are the most common cause – these tumors could be producing too much of certain hormones or suppressing the hormone production from the part of the pituitary
Infections
Infections like meningitis or encephalitis can affect the pituitary gland. These could affect the sodium levels in the body and suppress certain hormone levels
Trauma
Head injuries can cause damage to the pituitary gland, affecting its function.
Radiation
Treatment for nearby cancers may inadvertently affect the pituitary gland.
Vascular Disorders
Conditions like pituitary apoplexy (sudden hemorrhage in the pituitary) can be catastrophically impair vital hormone levels responsible for maintaining blood pressure etc.
Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions like lymphocytic hypophysitis can lead to inflammation and dysfunction of the pituitary.
Rare Genetic Factors
Certain inherited conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, can increase the risk of pituitary disorders.
Conversely, a deficiency in pituitary hormones can also detrimentally affect health. There will be distinct symptoms based on the hormone involved:
- Hypopituitarism: Reduced levels of one or more pituitary hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and decreased libido.
- Diabetes Insipidus: Caused by ADH (antidiuretic hormone) deficiency. Characterised by excessive urination and intense thirst.
- Growth Hormone Deficiency: Leads to stunted growth in children. It causes poor bone density, muscle weakness, and reduced overall vitality in adults.
A few common conditions result from the overproduction of specific pituitary hormones:
- Acromegaly: Excess growth hormone leads to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features, as well as systemic issues like joint pain and organ enlargement.
- Cushing’s Disease: Excess ACTH results in high cortisol levels, causing weight gain, easy bruising, elevated blood pressure, and muscle weakness.
- Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated prolactin causes infertility, sexual dysfunction, irregular menstrual cycles in women, and unexpected milk production.
Diagnosing Pituitary Hormonal Imbalance
At Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre, our experienced Endocrinologist, Dr Vikram Sonawane, will conduct a detailed assessment of your condition:
- Medical History & Physical Exam: A thorough review of symptoms and health history helps identify possible causes related to pituitary dysfunction.
- Blood Tests: Hormone levels are measured, namely prolactin, growth hormone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, to assess pituitary function.
- Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans can detect abnormalities like pituitary adenomas.
- Stimulation or Suppression Tests: These dynamic tests evaluate how the pituitary gland responds to specific stimuli or suppressants, confirming a hormonal imbalance.
Treating and Managing Pituitary Hormonal Imbalance
According to your unique condition, Dr. Vikram will recommend a personalised treatment plan that may involve one or more of the following:
Medications: Hormone replacement therapy is used to manage deficient hormones, and a specific pharmacotherapy is given to suppress the excess production of particular hormones, and complications arise from it.
Radiation Therapy: In cases where surgery isn’t entirely effective, radiotherapy shrinks the size of the pituitary tumour.
Monitoring & Follow-up: Long-term monitoring of hormone levels is essential to adjust treatment and prevent further complications.
If you or your loved ones suffer from excess or deficient pituitary hormones, you can schedule an appointment with Dr Vikram, our Senior Consultant Endocrinologist from Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology, and Diabetes Centre.
