The pituitary gland Overview of the Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland is a pea-sized bit of tissue at the bottom of your brain. Glands are organs that make and release hormones into your blood. Hormones are chemicals that stimulate other cells... read more is a pea-sized bit of tissue at the bottom of your brain. Glands are organs that make and release hormones into your blood. Hormones are chemicals that stimulate other cells or tissues into action. The pituitary gland puts out many different hormones. Each pituitary hormone controls a different gland and body function.
Locating the Pituitary Gland
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What is enlargement of the pituitary gland?
Enlargement of the pituitary gland is when a normal pituitary gland becomes bigger in size for some reason. The change in size can cause your pituitary gland to make too much or too little of certain hormones.
A large pituitary may also push on the nerves that connect your eyes to your brain and cause vision problems.
What causes enlargement of the pituitary gland?
Causes of a large pituitary gland include:
A pituitary tumor (most common cause)
Bleeding into the pituitary gland
What are the symptoms of an enlarged pituitary gland?
Symptoms of a large pituitary gland include:
Headaches
Loss of vision, usually in both eyes and in the upper, outer part of your sight
How can doctors tell if my pituitary gland is enlarged?
Doctors test for a large pituitary gland using:
CT scan Computed Tomography A CT scan uses a large machine shaped like a large donut to take x-rays from many angles. A computer then takes the x-rays and creates many detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Each... read more (computed tomography) or MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI is a test that uses a machine with a powerful magnet to make pictures of the inside of your body. A computer records changes in the magnetic field around your body. The computer then uses... read more
(magnetic resonance imaging) of the headBlood tests of hormone levels
How do doctors treat an enlarged pituitary gland?
Doctors treat the problem that caused your pituitary gland to get bigger. If you have a tumor, they usually remove the tumor surgically. Sometimes you'll have to take replacement hormones after the surgery.
