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Pituitary Disorders
Background
Pituitary disorders fall into the category of endocrine disease. The pituitary gland is situated at the base of the brain and lies within the pituitary fossa, a bony cup in the skull base. The gland is divided functionally and anatomically into two sections, the anterior and posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary produces a number of hormones (chemical messengers) that have major effects on body composition, metabolism and reproductive function. These include growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
The activity of the pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus, part of the brain which lies above the pituitary, and to which the gland is connected via the pituitary stalk.
ACTH is the most important regulator of glucocorticoid (steroid) production by the adrenal glands, TSH regulates the thyroid gland while LH and FSH, in women, control the ovaries and menstrual cycle and, in men, regulate the activity of the testes. Growth hormone is important for normal growth in children and, in adults has a number of effects on body composition and metabolism. Prolactin is required for breast milk production and also acts as a natural contraceptive in breast-feeding women. The posterior pituitary gland releases anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. Anti-diuretic hormone is important in maintaining water balance, acting on the kidneys to prevent large volumes of water loss.
Disorders of the pituitary gland 
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