Endocrinology and Diabetes
Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders
At UC Davis Health, we focus on all types of pituitary and hypothalamic disorders. We provide highly skilled diagnosis, treatment and care to help you feel better.
Medically reviewed by Dana Sheely, M.D. on March 08, 2024.
Experts Ready to Treat Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders
At the UC Davis Health Division of Endocrinology, our renowned providers specializing in hormones (endocrinologists) diagnose and treat all types of pituitary and hypothalamic disorders. We offer knowledgeable and compassionate care to help our patients lead full lives.
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What Are Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders?
Your pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base (underside) of your brain. It makes several hormones that coordinate functions in your body. It also controls the functions of other glands in your endocrine system. The hypothalamus controls the pituitary and is a part of your brain that sits just above it.
Your pituitary helps to manage:
- Breast milk production (lactation)
- Growth and metabolism
- Production of estrogen, testosterone and sperm, as well as egg development and ovulation
- Response to stress
- Your body’s balance of water and sodium
- Labor and childbirth
Pituitary and hypothalamic disorders happen when your glands make too much or not enough hormones.
Common Types of Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders
Acromegaly
Parts of your body, such as your bones, cartilage and tissues, may increase in size due to overproduction of growth hormone. This condition is called gigantism when it occurs in children.
Cushing’s Disease
This disease is caused by overproduction of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which results in excess cortisol from the adrenal glands. It may cause rapid weight gain in your abdomen, chest, back of your neck and face, and an increase in blood sugar and blood pressure.
Arginine-Vasopressin Deficiency (Formally Known as Diabetes Insipidus)
This condition causes increased thirst and urination. Arginine-Vasopressin Deficiency occurs when your pituitary releases too little antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Empty Sella Syndrome (ESS)
ESS is a radiographic diagnosis in which the pituitary gland appears flattened or shrunk due to issues with the skull around it. It doesn’t always cause symptoms but may lead to hormonal imbalances and headaches.
Growth Hormone Deficiency
This condition can cause metabolic issues in adults and lack of growth or delayed puberty in children. It occurs when your pituitary releases too little growth hormone (GH).
Hyperprolactinemia and Prolactinoma
These conditions, caused by high levels of the prolactin hormone, result in infertility and a milky nipple discharge (galactorrhea).
Pituitary Adenomas
Most of these tumors are noncancerous (benign) but may cause vision problems if they press against your optic nerve.
Sheehan’s Syndrome
Damage to your pituitary gland during childbirth due to extreme blood loss causes Sheehan’s syndrome. This condition can result in many hormone deficiencies and symptoms.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)
SIADH causes water retention and low sodium levels in your blood. It occurs when your hypothalamus makes too much ADH.
Symptoms of Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders
Pituitary and hypothalamic disorders symptoms vary based on whether benign tumors or other hormone imbalances cause them.
Common Symptoms of Pituitary Hormone Imbalances
These symptoms could be signs of pituitary hormone imbalances:
- Anxiety or depression
- Growth problems
- Unexplained weight changes
- Infertility or sexual concerns
- Irregular periods
Common Symptoms of Benign Pituitary Tumors
These additional symptoms could be signs of pituitary tumors:
- Headaches
- Hormonal imbalances
- Problems with vision
Causes of Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders
Pituitary and hypothalamic disorders result from overproduction or underproduction of hormones. Providers don’t always know why this happens, but causes may include:
Pituitary Adenomas and Cysts
Tumors or cysts on or near the pituitary gland are the most common causes of these disorders.
Genetics
A gene change (mutation) may lead to gland dysfunction.
Infections
Brain infections such as meningitis can damage your glands.
Inflammation
Swelling due to autoimmune diseases or medications can harm your glands.
Injury
A brain injury or stroke can harm your pituitary or hypothalamic glands.
Nutrition Problems
Eating disorders or extreme weight loss may damage your pituitary and hypothalamic glands.
Surgery or Radiation
Neurological surgery or radiation treatment on the brain (neuroradiology) can lead to gland disorders.
Diagnosing Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders
Our providers at UC Davis Health specialize in diagnosing pituitary and hypothalamic disorders. We first ask you about your symptoms and family history. Then we will do blood and urine tests to check your hormone levels.
We may also recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan. Imaging allows us to see if your pituitary gland has grown or shrunk and to check for tumors.
We can also take a sample of your pituitary gland (biopsy) to check the cells for cancer. If we suspect a tumor, we may also do a visual field eye exam to look for vision loss.
Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders Treatments at UC Davis Health
At UC Davis Health, we offer the latest treatments to people with pituitary and hypothalamic disorders. Your provider may recommend one approach or a combination of therapies, including:
Medication
We treat some pituitary and hypothalamic disorders with medications. These medications can increase or suppress your glands’ production of hormones, depending on the disorder.
Radiation Therapy
We may use radiation therapy to shrink tumors.
Surgery
We may recommend neurological surgery to remove any tumors from your pituitary or hypothalamic glands. We often use minimally invasive surgery, depending on the size and location of the tumors.
Less than
0.2%Of pituitary gland tumors are cancerous
Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): Pituitary Gland Tumor: Statistics
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