The pituitary gland is a small organ located under the brain. Despite its small size, the function of the pituitary gland is enormous. These glands are responsible for producing hormones that help control many processes and organ functions in your body.
The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' because it produces hormones that regulate the function of other glands or hormone systems, such as the thyroid gland, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.
This gland plays an important role in regulating the growth process, the arrival of puberty, metabolism, and various organ system functions in your body.
Parts of the Pituitary Gland and Their Role
The pituitary gland is quite small, only about the size of a pea. This gland is found at the base of the brain and its position is very close to the hypothalamus.
The pituitary gland is divided into two parts, namely the anterior and posterior lobes. The two parts have their respective roles, namely:
anterior lobe
The anterior lobe is the anterior part of the pituitary gland. The hormones produced by the anterior lobe function to regulate growth, maturation of organs and functions of the reproductive system, thyroid function, and skin pigmentation.
posterior lobe
The posterior lobe is the back of the pituitary gland that functions to produce antidiuretic hormone, a hormone whose job is to make the kidneys absorb more water and store it in the bloodstream to prevent dehydration. The hormone oxytocin is also produced in the posterior lobe.
Hormones Produced by the Pituitary Gland
There are various kinds of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, including:
- growth hormoneGrowth hormone (GH) or growth hormone plays a role in increasing the size of muscles and bones.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone or THS (thyroid stimulating hormone)This hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones that affect the body's metabolic function.
- Follicle stimulating hormone or FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)This hormone controls sexual function and fertility in both men and women.
- Hormone luteinizingThis hormone stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen in women and stimulates sperm production in men.
- Prolactin hormoneThe hormone prolactin stimulates breast tissue in nursing mothers to produce breast milk.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)This hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormones cortisol and aldosterone, which help keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels stable.
- Antidiuretic hormone or ADH (antidiuretic hormone)This hormone stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb fluids from the blood and reduces urine production.
- Oxytocin hormoneThe hormone oxytocin functions to help the uterus contract during childbirth and also stimulates the production and release of breast milk.
Disorders of the Pituitary Gland
When the pituitary gland is overactive or becomes underactive, various organ functions are disrupted. Disorders of the pituitary gland can cause a variety of conditions with different symptoms, including:
1. Acromegaly
This disorder occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, as a result of a tumor in the gland. In children, this condition is called gigantism.
Generally, people with gigantism have above average height and weight with larger hands and feet than other people.
2. Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much of the hormone cortisol. As a result, sufferers of this syndrome usually experience anxiety, irritability, depression, accumulation of fatty tissue in the abdomen and back of the neck, and menstrual disorders.
3. Prolactinoma
Prolactinoma is a disorder that occurs due to the appearance of a tumor in the pituitary gland, causing excess production of the hormone prolactin. This condition can cause fertility problems in both men and women.
4. Hypopituitarism
Hypopituitarism is a rare condition that occurs when the pituitary gland cannot produce sufficient amounts of certain hormones. For example, when a small amount of antidiuretic hormone is produced, diabetes insipidus will appear.
In addition, other pituitary gland disorders that can arise are pituitary tumors and growth disorders.
The pituitary gland is involved in many bodily processes and functions. If its function is disturbed, various organ systems in the body will also have problems and cause various diseases.
In order for the pituitary gland to function properly, you are advised to lead a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy balanced nutritious foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and managing stress well.
You are advised to consult a doctor if some symptoms appear, such as headaches, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, or milk coming out of the breast even though you are not breastfeeding.
This is because some of these symptoms may indicate a disorder of the pituitary gland.