Pituitary Conditions
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is caused by a benign tumour on the pituitary gland called an adenoma which causes the pituitary to produce too much Growth Hormone (GH). This stimulates the pituitary gland to produce GH. Secretion of GH by the pituitary into the bloodstream which stimulates the liver to produce another hormone called Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 causes tissue growth in the body.
Adrenal Deficiency
In people who have adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands stop working properly and aren't able to produce hormones which are crucial to keeping thebody functioning correctly. Adrenal insufficiency has multiple causes, giving three different types of adrenal insufficiency: primary (adrenal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamus). The type of adrenal insufficiency (primary, secondary or tertiary) depends on whether the problem lies in the adrenal gland or is due to impairment of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency (AVP-D)
AVP Deficiency, formerly known as Diabetes insipidus (DI), is caused by a problem with either the production, or action, of the hormone vasopressin (AVP). If you have AVP-D your kidneys are unable to retain water.
This leads to the production of large volumes of urine and, in turn, greatly increased thirst. AVP Deficiency can occur at any age, but is mostly found in adults. It is a rare disorder, affecting only about 1 in 25,000 people.
Cushing's Disease
Cushing's syndrome develops if your body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol.
Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands (two small glands which lie just above each kidney) and it is vital for life. It has several functions including
The most common cause of spontaneous Cushing's is a small benign tumour of the pituitary gland. This tumour causes the pituitary gland to produce too much of a hormone called ACTH, (adrenocorticotrophic hormone), which goes through the blood stream to the adrenal glands and causes them to release too much cortisol. In this case there is a good chance that an operation on your pituitary gland, to remove the tumour, will solve the problem.
Prolactinoma
Pituitary Gland produces a number of hormones, including prolactin, prolactin is sometimes known as the 'milk hormone' because it stimulates milk production after childbirth, but it is also produced in men, although in smaller amounts.
Common Causes of elevated Prolactin levels include
Prolactinoma is most commonly caused by a tumour on the Pituitary Gland that causes excess Prolactin secretion.