Does thyroid gland affect pituitary gland?
The secretion of T3 and T4 by the thyroid is controlled by an endocrine feedback system involving the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus (structures in the brain). Lowered levels of these thyroid hormones result in increased levels of pituitary and hypothalamic hormones.
What is pituitary hyperthyroidism?
When a pituitary tumor overproduces thyroid-stimulating hormone, your thyroid gland makes too much of the hormone thyroxine. This is a rare cause of hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid disease. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body’s metabolism, causing: Weight loss. Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
What hormones are affected by hyperthyroidism?
In hyperthyroidism, the levels of triiodothyronine and/or thyroxine are usually raised, with undetectable levels of thyroid stimulating hormone.
How do you test for pituitary gland problems?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or high-resolution computerized tomography (CT) of your brain can detect a pituitary tumor or other pituitary gland problems.
What kind of doctor do you see for pituitary gland?
Any person with a pituitary tumor should be seen by an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in problems with glands and the endocrine system. In addition, patients should be examined by a neurosurgeon, a specialist who operates on the head, brain, and central nervous system.
How do you fix a pituitary gland problem?
Hormonal therapy and medication aimed at restoring hormonal balance may be recommended for patients with pituitary disorders. Treatments may include pituitary hormone replacement, in which hormones are given to replace hormones not being produced by the pituitary gland.
Can a blood test detect a pituitary tumor?
Blood tests help doctors detect many hormonal abnormalities associated with pituitary tumors. For example, a blood test can reveal high levels of the hormone prolactin, which occurs in a condition called hyperprolactinemia. This can indicate the presence of a pituitary tumor called a prolactinoma.
Can an eye doctor tell if you have a pituitary tumor?
If a pituitary tumor is strongly suspected, your doctor may refer you to an eye doctor to check your vision, as pituitary tumors can damage nerves leading to the eyes. The most common test is to measure how well you can see. The doctor may also test your field of vision (or visual fields).
Is pituitary surgery brain surgery?
Endoscopic pituitary surgery, also called transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery, is the most common surgery used to remove pituitary tumors. The pituitary gland is located at the bottom of your brain and above the inside of your nose.
When do you need a pituitary tumor?
Surgical removal of a pituitary tumor usually is necessary if the tumor is pressing on the optic nerves or if the tumor is overproducing certain hormones. The success of surgery depends on the tumor type, its location, its size and whether the tumor has invaded surrounding tissues.
Can a pituitary tumor cause weight gain?
Pituitary tumors can cause fatigue, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, and, in extreme cases, blindness.
Can a pituitary tumor grow back?
Complete removal of a tumor is the desired goal. However, a minority of patients with pituitary tumor will have a recurrence of the tumor. Approximately 16% of patients with a non functioning tumor will have a tumor recurrence within 10 years and 10% require additional treatment (surgery, pituitary radiation).