Pituitary Problems: What You Need to Know
The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is known as the "master gland" because it produces hormones that control many important bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Pituitary problems can occur when the pituitary gland does not produce enough or too much of one or more of its hormones. Causes of pituitary problems There are many different causes of pituitary problems, including: Pituitary tumors: Pituitary tumors are the most common cause of pituitary problems. These tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Head injuries: Head injuries can damage the pituitary gland and lead to pituitary problems. Infections: Infections, such as meningitis or tuberculosis, can also damage the pituitary gland. Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Addison's disease, can also cause pituitary problems. ...