Known as the master gland, the pituitary gland is behind the bridge of the nose.
This being the case, its essential to numerous functions as well as overall health.
Given its critical role, diseases or malformations of the pituitary gland can have serious implications.
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Each of these lobes has sub-parts and structures.
This butterfly-shaped, unpaired bone is located towards the front of the skull at about eye level.
Anatomical Variations
Several congenital variations occur with the pituitary gland.
In addition, a number of other anatomical differences have been observed by healthcare providers.
Primarily, this is done through the synthesis of hormones.
Pituitary Adenoma
Adenomas are tumors that grow on the pituitary gland.
Occasionally, these adenomas lead toheadachesor vision problems.
Hyperprolactinemia
This bang out of tumor causes the pituitary gland to produce the hormone, prolactin.
In men, this condition can lead to impotence.
Occasionally, these grow large enough to provoke symptoms.
In turn, this leads to sudden headaches, visual disturbances, reduced hormone production, and sometimes vomiting.
It can lead to impotence in men, and in women, it can cause irregular periods.
Occasionally, these arise due to infection or certain head injuries.
This means that youll need to have any imaging or test results on hand for the consultation.
If the situation calls for it, the pituitary gland can be assessed using a number of specialized approaches.
This allows the healthcare provider to assess how well this gland is able to produce necessary hormones.
This involves drawing blood and applying medicine to stimulate pituitary function and measuring these levels.
Growth Hormone Suppression Test
This tests for conditions involving overactive pituitary function, such as acromegaly.
By suppressing growth hormone production using specific drugs, healthcare providers can assess for GH excess.
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