P
Name Pituitary Disorders
Related to/Also known as  
Symptoms of Pituitary Disorders
 Disorders of the pituitary gland are relatively rare. The most common problem of the pituitary gland is when a benign tumour develops (a form of pituitary adenoma). Symptoms include headaches and visual problems.
Types

Some of the problems related to the pituitary gland are listed below. For more information see the Pituitary Foundation.

  • Acromegaly is caused by overproduction of the growth hormone in adults.
  • Craniopharyngioma is a rare tumour of the pituitary region, which exerts pressure on the hypothalamus and often on the pituitary gland.
  • Cushings's Disease is a problem arising in the pituitary gland, caused by the overproduction of the hormone ACTH. This leads to the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
  • Hypopituitarism is the underproduction of one or more of the hormones in the pituitary gland; most often caused by a benign tumour.
  • Non-functioning tumour is the commonest type of tumour in the pituitary gland. It does not produce any hormones itself, but can cause other problems, such as headaches.
  • Diabetes Insipidus or Vasopressin Insufficiency: This condition should not be confused with Diabetes Mellitus
Useful national contacts

Pituitary Foundation
Link opens in new window www.pituitary.org.uk
Support and Information Helpline:  0117 370 1320.
Find your local support group:
Link opens in new window https://tinyurl.com/y9f5tj95
Children & young people

Advice for parents (Pituitary Foundation)
Link opens in new window https://tinyurl.com/u4o997r

Children (The Pituitary Foundation)
Other useful links
Link opens in new window https://tinyurl.com/uqrrx8o

Living with Diabetes Insipidus (for teens) (The Pituitary Foundation)
Link opens in new window https://tinyurl.com/wr3q2kx
Online resources

Coronavirus Advice (The Pituitary Foundation)
Link opens in new window Coronavirus Advice

COVID Vaccinations (The Pituitary Foundation)
Link opens in new window www.pituitary.org.uk/news/2020/12/covid-vaccinations

Diabetes insipidus awareness card (Pituitary Foundation)
Link opens in new window https://pituitary.org.uk/information/publications/essential-free-publications/diabetes-insipidus-awareness-card/

Pituitary disorders (Contact, charity for families with disabled children)
Link opens in new window https://tinyurl.com/qu7j77e

Pituitary tumour and driving: you must tell the DVLA if you have a pituitary tumour
Link opens in new window www.gov.uk/pituitary-tumour-and-driving

Living with a condition (The Brain Charity)
News and Events

 'Diabetes Insipidus - time to change the name?' (Pituitary Foundation, July 2018)
Link opens in new window https://tinyurl.com/y7m5y29d
Our resources Pituittary Life

The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on Pituitary Disorders and on a wide range of disability-related issues.

This includes copies of the Pituitary Foundation's magazine Pituitary Life.
Tumours Muscles Headache Vision Pituitary