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Illustration of the pituitary gland
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    • Services and providers for Pituitary Disorders in the U.S.
  • National Institutes of Health

Your pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain. The pituitary is the "master control gland" - it makes hormones that affect growth and the functions of other glands in the body.

Injuries can cause pituitary disorders, but the most common cause is a pituitary tumor. About 1 in 10,000 people get them. They grow slowly, do not spread and are usually not cancerous. The most common type of pituitary tumor produces hormones and disrupts the balance of hormones in your body. This can cause endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome and hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of pituitary tumors include

  • Headaches
  • Vision problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Any of the problems caused by the production of too many hormones

Pituitary tumors are usually curable. Treatment is often surgery to remove the tumor. Other options include medicines and radiation.

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