Disorders of pituitary hormone excess
Growth hormone excess – Results in gigantism and acromegaly
Hyperprolactinemia or high prolactin levels –
Common causes are prolactinoma (prolactin secreting tumor), other tumors in
pituitary region, some medicines, hypothyroidism, etc.
Cushing’s disease results from excess adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
secretion. The patient develops features of steroid hormone excess as ACTH
drives the adrenal gland to secrete excessive amount of steroids.
Other disorders of hormone excess like TSH secreting pituitary tumor are very
rare.
Disorders of pituitary hormone deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency results in short stature in childhood. Adult growth
hormone deficiency is detrimental for general well being, heart and bone health.
Secondary hypothyroidism is a rare cause of thyroid hormone deficiency resulting from inadequate secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary.
Secondary hypoadrenalism results from deficiency of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion.
Hypogonadism results from deficiency of LH and FSH, the pituitary hormones responsible for gonadal (ovary and testis)
development and its functioning.
Pituitary Tumors
Non-functioning pituitary tumors are the ones which do not secrete any active hormonal components.
Functioning pituitary tumors are those which secrete hormones as already discussed in disorders of pituitary hormone excess.
Pituitary Inflammation
Lymphocytic hypophysitis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition of the pituitary commonly occurring after pregnancy.
Tuberculosis and other infections can also affect pituitary.