Prolactinoma (cont.)
What is the pituitary gland?
Sometimes called the master gland, the pituitary gland plays a critical role in regulating growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction. This gland produces prolactin and a number of other key hormones including:
- Growth hormone, which as the name indicates, regulates
growth;
- ACTH (adrenocorticotropin hormone) which stimulates the adrenal
glands to produce cortisol, especially during
stressful events (surgery, etc.)
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid
hormone; and
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which
regulate ovulation and estrogen and progesterone production in women,
and sperm formation and testosterone production in men.
Where is the pituitary gland located?
The pituitary gland is located in the middle of the head in a bony box that looks like a saddle and is called the sella turcica. Since the pituitary is in such a tight space, any abnormal growth can result in signs and symptoms secondary to compression of the gland. The nerves for the eyes pass directly above the pituitary gland.
Picture of the Pituitary Gland
What problems are caused by a pituitary tumor?
Pituitary tumors may impair or cause an increase in the production of one or more pituitary hormones. The lesion itself can damage surrounding normal tissue and thereby reduce the function of the pituitary gland (a condition called hypopituitarism).
Enlargement of the pituitary gland can also cause local symptoms, such as
headaches (because of increased pressure if the fluid system bathing the brain is blocked or stimulated), or visual disturbances (because of the proximity of the pituitary gland to the optic nerves).
Next: How common is a prolactinoma? »
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