The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain, behind the bridge of your nose and between your eyes. Often referred to as the “master gland,” it has an enormously important role in the body - the pituitary gland releases hormones that travel throughout the body to communicate with other glands and organs and regulate growth, metabolism, sexuality, stress response, thyroid function, and nearly every aspect of human physiology!
The pituitary gland has two main lobes that serve different purposes:
- The anterior pituitary releases:
- Growth hormone - stimulates growth and cell reproduction
- Thyroid stimulating hormone - promotes thyroid gland function
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone - stimulates adrenal gland hormone production
- Prolactin - supports milk production for breastfeeding
- Follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone - regulate estrogen/progesterone and testosterone
- The posterior pituitary releases:
- Oxytocin - promotes labor & contractions during childbirth, breastfeeding
- Antidiuretic hormone - regulates fluid balance and urine output
Proper functioning of the pituitary gland is essential for good
hormonal balance and overall health. Unfortunately, many things can disrupt its normal functioning, like head trauma,
pituitary tumors, infections, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy/childbirth issues or
hypopituitarism. Abnormal pituitary hormone levels lead to problems like stalled growth in children, irritability, brain fog, fatigue,
menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction,
hypothyroidism,
infertility and more.
If you suspect
pituitary gland disorders, getting comprehensive lab testing of all major hormones can identify where imbalances exist. Rebalancing hormones often leads to transformative improvements in symptoms and sense of wellbeing. The expert physicians at
Hormone Care Center specialize in detailed pituitary/hormone testing and creating personalized, precision treatment plans to restore optimal hormonal health. I highly recommend contacting them for a consultation if you have lingering symptoms that lifestyle measures haven't resolved. Their cutting-edge therapies and integrative approaches are life-changing for many patients struggling with hormonal imbalances involving their pituitary gland.