Pituitary disease: Getting the word out

According to the Pituitary Network Association, one in five people throughout the globe may have an abnormal growth on their pituitary gland. If left untreated, some of these may harm the body’s natural hormonal function and result in an inferior quality of life or even worse, a shortened lifespan. Unfortunately, due to the lack of public recognition about pituitary disease, it can take years for someone with such a disorder to obtain the right diagnosis. It is important, therefore, to get the word out, as many individuals may be suffering needlessly. There is help if you take the time and make the effort to empower yourself or others around you that may be experiencing this ailment.

What is the pituitary gland?

The pituitary is a tiny, pea-sized endocrine gland, which is attached to the base of the brain. It sits in the middle of the head in a bony nook called the sella turcica and is connected by the pituitary stalk to the region of the brain known as the hypothalamus. Don’t let this tiny little gland fool you, though. This modest gland is considered a “master control gland’ as it plays a crucial role in the regulation of the secretion of a cocktail of hormones throughout the body. It sends chemical messages to the adrenal glands, thyroid glands, ovaries and testes, instructing them to produce cortisol, thyroid hormone, estrogen, testosterone and more. These hormones have significant effects on vital bodily functions and development, such as height, metabolism, blood pressure, sexuality and reproduction. Thus, disruptive pituitaries can cause an imbalance of hormones that in turn cause considerable repercussions for their landlords. One of the main perpetrators of pituitary dysfunction is a pituitary tumor, which can lead to the overproduction or decrease of one or more hormones. Too little or too much of a pituitary hormone can result in a wide assortment of symptoms. These types of tumors are usually not cancerous (benign) and are often referred to as adenomas but can cause endocrine disorders such as cushing’s syndrome, prolactinoma, hyperthyroidism, hypopituitarism and acromegaly.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of pituitary disease?

The following symptoms are not totally inclusive, and vary depending on the specific condition and the patient involved. However, a list is provided here as a mere guide:

· Headaches

· Visual disturbances

· Irregular menses

· Infertility

· Lactating

· Impotence

· Sexual dysfunction

· Unusual hair growth/loss

· Fatigue

· Sleep dysfunction

· Depression

· Irritability

· Anxiety

· Loss of memory/cognitive dysfunction

· Muscle weakness

· Eating disorders

· Nausea/vomiting

· Belly pain

· Acne

· Weight gain

· Diabetes

· High blood pressure

· Heartburn/GERD

· Rapid heart rate

Be your own advocate!

Having been diagnosed with a Prolactinoma (prolactin secreting tumor) around 10 years ago, and then several years later having endured a severe decline in my overall health, I am now undergoing tests for suspected cyclical cushing’s disease. For many years, I bounced around between numerous doctors desperately trying to find out why I had so many debilitating symptoms, which eventually resulted in the loss of my much-loved career, financial security and happy social life. Both my GPs and endocrinologists advised me that my prolactinoma was being sufficiently managed with prescribed medication and that there was no reason why I should feel so dreadfully ill. It was not apparent to the medical community that 10% of such growths could be co-functioning and that the tumor can actually switch on and off. It was only when I discovered the Pituitary Network Association (PNA) that my quest began to locate the right doctors (for me, it was a pituitary endocrinologist)… I had finally realized that pituitary/hormonal disease was far more complicated than the general medical community was geared up for and that I needed someone in the right field of healthcare (i.e. a specialist in pituitary disease rather than just someone with a general knowledge of all endocrine disorders). Few doctors truly understand pituitary/hormonal disease. However, with the right tools and appropriate treatment from experienced doctors, your disorders can hopefully be cured/controlled and you can get back on track with your life. At this point in time, I don’t know whether or not I have cyclical Cushing’s disease, but at least I feel more empowered by understanding that I am more responsible for my overall well-being in life than anyone else on this planet, and that I need to be more proactive in both educating myself and others about pituitary disease. I hope you will get involved too!

More information can be found at the Pituitary Network Association – http://www.pituitary.org/intro.aspx