Understanding the Pituitary Gland
Answers to common questions about understanding the pituitary gland.
Questions on this page
What is the pituitary gland?
The pituitary is a small hormone-producing gland located at the base of the brain. It helps control other endocrine glands and several important body functions.
Why is the pituitary called the “master gland”?
It regulates hormones produced by the thyroid, adrenal glands and reproductive organs and also produces hormones involved in growth, water balance and lactation.
What hormones are produced or controlled by the pituitary?
Important pituitary hormones include ACTH, TSH, LH, FSH, GH and prolactin. The pituitary also releases ADH and oxytocin from the posterior pituitary.
What happens if the pituitary gland does not work properly?
A pituitary disorder can cause too much or too little of one or more hormones. Symptoms depend on which hormone is affected.
Can a pituitary problem affect more than one hormone?
Yes. A large pituitary tumour or other pituitary disorders can affect several hormone systems.