Pituitary Gland Disorders
Q: What is the pituitary gland?
A: The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland located behind the bridge of the nose. It is often referred to as the “master gland” because it makes hormones that regulate various bodily functions such as the thyroid and adrenal glands, the ovaries and testes.
Q: What are some common pituitary conditions?
A: Some common pituitary conditions include pituitary adenomas, pituitary apoplexy, and hypopituitarism. Also, the six main hormones made by the pituitary gland – Prolactin, Growth Hormone, TSH, LH, FSH and ACTH – can each be made in excess.
Q: What are pituitary adenomas?
A: Pituitary adenomas are a type of benign pituitary tumour or nodule. They can cause hormonal imbalances and other symptoms depending on the type of hormone they produce.
Q: What is pituitary apoplexy?
A: Pituitary apoplexy is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the pituitary gland is suddenly blocked. This can cause sudden onset of severe headache, vision changes, and other symptoms.
Q: What is hypopituitarism?
A: Hypopituitarism is a condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones. This can cause various symptoms depending on which hormones are affected.
Q: How are pituitary conditions diagnosed?
A: Pituitary conditions can be diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, blood tests, an MRI scan and rarely, a biopsy.
Q: How are pituitary conditions treated?
A: Treatment for pituitary conditions depends on the specific condition and may include medication, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
Consultants
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Dr Clementina La Rosa Consultant Paediatrician and Endocrinologist
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Dr Teng-Teng Chung Consultant Endocrinologist
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Dr Umasuthan Srirangalingam Consultant Physician in Diabetes and Endocrinology
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Dr Nemanja Stojanovic Consultant Endocrinologist
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Professor Gerard Conway Consultant Endocrinologist
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