Pituitary Gland Hormones and Deficiency Symptoms

Pituitary is the master gland which is about the size of a pea and is situated in the base of the brain. It is called the "Master gland" as it controls the functions of the other endocrine glands. It has got two parts: Anterior and posterior.

The hormones secreted by the pituitary gland are:

Anteriorlobe

Growth hormone regulates growth in children, improves quality of life in adults.

Prolactin stimulates milk production in women after giving birth

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - to stimulate the adrenal glands

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) stimulates thyroid gland

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) stimulates the ovaries and testes

LH (luteinizing hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries or testes

Posterior Lobe

ADH (antidiuretic hormone) – to increase absorption of water into the blood by the kidneys

Oxytocin - to contract the uterus during childbirth and stimulate milk production

Features of hormone deficiency or excess include the following

Overproduction

Growth Hormone - Acromegaly in adults Gigantism in children

Prolactin – Galactorrhoea irregular cycle & infertility in women impotence & infertility in men

TSH – Features of excess thyroid hormones like sweating, palpitation, weight loss, anxiety, restlessness.

ACTH – Excess weight gain, easy, bruisability of skin, increased blood pressure& blood sugar, menstrual irregularities

LH/FSH – Very rare, usually do not have symptoms

Underproduction

Growth Hormone - Metabolic derangement in adults stunted growth in children.

Prolactine - Decreased milk production after childbirth

TSH – Features of low thyroid hormones like excess weight gain, lethargy, dry skin, constipation

ACTH – Fatigability, low blood pressure, low sugar & excessive weakness.

LH/FSH – Menstrual irregularities, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, infertility in women & impotence, loss of secondary sexual characteristic & infertility in men.