Pituitary

Introduction 

Informational chemical molecules called hormones are produced by specific glands which are ductless and are found in different parts of our body. These hormones are poured into the bloodstream directly and are circulated so that they can reach the target organs. All the ductless glands or endocrine glands work in coordination and are controlled by the pituitary gland .

Major Endocrine Glands 

• Pineal gland
• Pituitary gland
• Thyroid gland
• Thymus
• Adrenal gland
• Pancreas
• Ovary (present in women)
• Testis (present in men )

Pituitary Definition

This gland is very small, the size of the large pea seed, but it is a very important gland that controls the functions of all the other endocrine glands in the body. It is therefore called the master gland of the body. This gland is located in the bony cavity of the body known as sella turcica and is attached to the hypothalamus. It has three parts Anterior, Posterior and middle.

Hormones Produced by the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is an organ that secretes hormones. These hormones travel through the bloodstream to all parts of the body. All the cells in the body are connected by the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secretes several hormones. They are:

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone – Stimulates the production of stress hormones, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Follicle-stimulating hormone – Encourages sperm production and prompts the ovaries to create oestrogen
• Luteinising hormone – Stimulates the process of ovulation in females and testosterone creation in males
• Growth hormone – Facilitates to maintain healthy bones and regulate fat distribution
• Prolactin – Causes the production of breast milk after childbirth. It can affect the hormones that regulate menstrual periods, sexual functions, and fertility
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone regulates metabolism and the nervous system, stimulating the thyroid gland
• Oxytocin – regulates breastfeeding and develops interaction and attachment between a mother and child
• Antidiuretic hormone – Regulates sodium levels and water levels in the body

Pituitary Disorders

The hormones are to be secreted in a balanced way in the human body. When they are overproduced, or under-produced it leads to disorders. The pituitary gland tends to overproduce hyperpituitarism hormones which can affect blood pressure, metabolism, sex functions, or they under-produced hypopituitarism hormones which can affect the vital functioning of the body.

When the pituitary gland fails to function as required, it results in pituitary disorders and can result in a tumour. Pituitary tumours are the results of the abnormal growth of cells. One among five average human beings develops Pituitary tumours. The occurrence of cancer in the Pituitary is not common. There are possibilities that the Pituitary develops tumours, and their symptoms are not known for many years together. Pituitary tumours are of two types: functioning tumours and non-functioning tumours. Functioning tumours secrete hormones by themselves, and non-functioning tumours do not secrete hormones.

When an individual develops problems with pituitary glands, they should consult an endocrinologist – a specialist to treat disorders and tumours in the pituitary gland. Endocrinologists are specialists in treating conditions and related disorders like thyroid, diabetes, growth issues, infertility, osteoporosis, metabolic disorder, etc. Also, they can treat cancer-related disorders, including abnormal hormone production in the pituitary gland.

When hormonal imbalances occur in the body, the body’s many systems do not work together successfully. A series of tests have to be taken to identify the real cause for the disorder, determine the appropriate treatment, and take corresponding decisions on how to improve the medical condition. 

Food Recommended to Treat Endocrine Disorders

The list of diets that an individual should consume to treat endocrine disorders is as follows. Basic nutrition education should be taken from qualified health care professionals by the patients.

• Protein-rich diet at every meal – meat, fish, eggs, and pulses
• Avoid sugar-rich foodstuffs
• Consume healthy fats – oils, dairy foodstuffs, nuts, and fish
• Refined carbs to be part of the diet – bread, cereals, and potatoes
• Avoid overeating, especially before going to bed.
• Drink green tea
• Eat fatty fish frequently.
• Vitamins rich food
• Minerals rich food
• Lots of fruits and vegetables

Symptoms of a Pituitary tumour

When a pituitary tumour is increasing pressure on the gland, the symptoms experienced by an individual are as follows:

• Severe headaches
• trouble with vision 
• Exhaustion
• Giddiness
• Dry skin.
• Irregular periods in females
• Sexual problems in men
• Frequent Mood swings
• irritation and impatience 
• weakness in the muscles
• Depression
• Menstrual cycle problems
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility in females and males
• Inappropriate growth of breasts
• Inappropriate secretion of breast milk.
• Disorders that involve the pituitary gland
• Some of the disorders that involve the pituitary gland are as follows:
• Hypopituitarism – pituitary gland fails to secrete the required hormones.
• Gigantism – pituitary gland over secretes the growth hormones.
• Diabetes Insipidus – Kidney unable to retain water and results in increased urination & thirst
• Hypogonadism – It is a condition where sex glands does not produce enough sex hormones.
• Galactorrhea – Individuals tend to produce breast milk though they are not breastfeeding.

Conclusion 

Pituitary is an endocrine gland present in the midbrain and has two prominent lobes. The anterior lobe secretes hormones that are under indirect control of hypothalamus while the posterior pituitary is under direct control of hypothalamus. Hormones secreted by the pituitary have direct effect on growth as well as other hormones reach the all the other endocrine glands of the body are regulate their functioning. The hypo or hyper secretion of pituitary hormones results in various disorders. This all is covered in this article.