The Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is the size of a pea and situated
in a bony hollow beneath the base of the brain just behind
the bridge of the nose. It is often described as the master
gland as it controls all the other hormone glands including
the thyroid, adrenals (which produce hormones essential
to life), the ovaries and testicles (for sex and reproduction)
and growth hormones. Because pituitary disorders are relatively
rare, and many symptoms are non-specific, diagnosis is often
slow, simply because a GP will see so few cases during the
course of his or her career. Even when diagnosed, many patients
remain isolated and distressed by their disorder and find
that their quality of life is greatly diminished.
Most pituitary disorders are caused by a benign tumour
which necessitates surgery and, in many instances, radiotherapy.
This treatment usually results in the patient requiring
specialist monitoring and a life-long dependence on a range
of pituitary replacement drugs. Long-term problems including
fatigue, sight loss or impairment, constant headaches, kidney
malfunctions, and changes in body shape. In addition, the
hormonal changes frequently cause psychological and psychiatric
problems. Many patients will not know of others with the
same illness and many carers will have no-one with whom
to share their problems . As these illnesses are long-term
it is very traumatic to have to cope alone, either as a
patient or as a carer.
Information Courtesy of
The Pituitary Foundation
PO Box 1944
Bristol
BS99 2UB
Phone/fax: 0845 450 0375
Email: helpline@pituitary.org.uk
A comprehensive website is being developed and will be launched
in mid-October. www.pituitary.org.uk
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