How does the pituitary gland regulate body functions. What are the main parts of the pituitary gland. Which hormones does the pituitary gland produce. How does the pituitary gland interact with other endocrine organs. What role does the pituitary gland play in growth and development.

The Pituitary Gland: A Tiny Powerhouse of Hormonal Control

The pituitary gland, despite its small size, plays a crucial role in regulating numerous bodily functions. Located at the base of the brain, this pea-sized gland is often referred to as the “master gland” due to its control over other endocrine glands. Its strategic position and complex structure allow it to maintain hormonal balance and influence various physiological processes.

Anatomical Location and Structure

The pituitary gland is situated in a bony cavity called the sella turcica, at the base of the skull. It lies approximately at eye level, in the middle of the head. This protected location ensures the gland’s safety while allowing it to maintain close connections with the brain, particularly the hypothalamus.

The gland consists of four main parts:

• Anterior lobe (adenohypophysis)
• Posterior lobe (neurohypophysis)
• Intermediate part (pars intermedia)
• Pituitary stalk (infundibulum)

Each of these components has specific functions and contributes to the gland’s overall regulatory role in the body.

The Anterior Lobe: A Hub of Hormone Production

The anterior lobe, also known as the adenohypophysis, makes up about three-quarters of the pituitary gland’s mass. It is responsible for producing and secreting several important hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

Hormones Produced by the Anterior Lobe

The anterior lobe produces two main categories of hormones:

1. Tropic hormones: These hormones control other endocrine glands
2. Direct-acting hormones: These hormones have immediate effects on target organs

The tropic hormones include:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

The direct-acting hormones include:

• Growth hormone (GH) or somatotropic hormone (STH)
• Prolactin

Regulation of Anterior Lobe Hormone Production

The production of hormones in the anterior lobe is regulated through two primary mechanisms:

1. Hypothalamic control: The hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that influence the anterior lobe’s hormone production.
2. Feedback mechanisms: Hormone levels in the blood provide feedback to the pituitary gland, adjusting its hormone production accordingly.

The Posterior Lobe: Storage and Release of Vital Hormones

The posterior lobe, or neurohypophysis, primarily consists of nerve fibers extending from the hypothalamus. Unlike the anterior lobe, it does not produce hormones but stores and releases two important hormones:

• Oxytocin: This hormone plays a crucial role in childbirth and breastfeeding.
• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): Also known as vasopressin, this hormone regulates water balance in the body.

The posterior lobe is directly connected to the hypothalamus through the pituitary stalk, allowing for rapid hormone release when needed.

The Intermediate Part: Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Production

The intermediate part of the pituitary gland, also called the pars intermedia, is located between the anterior and posterior lobes. It produces melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), which have several functions:

• Stimulating melanin production in the skin
• Regulating appetite
• Influencing sex drive

While the intermediate part is less prominent in humans compared to some other animals, it still plays a role in various physiological processes.

The Pituitary Gland’s Role in Growth and Development

One of the most significant functions of the pituitary gland is its influence on growth and development. Growth hormone (GH), produced by the anterior lobe, has wide-ranging effects throughout the body, particularly on:

• Liver
• Bones
• Fat tissue
• Muscle tissue

GH stimulates cell growth and reproduction, leading to increased height during childhood and adolescence. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining proper body composition and metabolism throughout life.

Growth Hormone Deficiency and Excess

Abnormalities in growth hormone production can lead to various medical conditions. Growth hormone deficiency in children can result in short stature, while excess GH can cause gigantism. In adults, GH deficiency may lead to decreased muscle mass and increased body fat, while excess GH can cause acromegaly, characterized by enlarged bones and soft tissue overgrowth.

The Pituitary Gland’s Interaction with Other Endocrine Organs

The pituitary gland’s role as the “master gland” is evident in its interactions with other endocrine organs. Through its tropic hormones, the pituitary gland regulates the function of several important glands in the body:

Thyroid Gland

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland controls the production of thyroid hormones. This interaction is crucial for maintaining proper metabolism, growth, and development.

Adrenal Glands

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other steroid hormones. This interaction is vital for stress response, metabolism, and immune function.

Gonads (Ovaries and Testes)

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) regulate reproductive function in both males and females. These hormones control the production of sex hormones and gametes (eggs and sperm).

The Pituitary Gland and Water Balance

The pituitary gland plays a crucial role in maintaining water balance in the body through the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH, also known as vasopressin, is produced in the hypothalamus but stored and released by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

Functions of Antidiuretic Hormone

ADH has two primary functions:

1. Regulating water reabsorption in the kidneys: ADH increases water reabsorption, reducing urine output and conserving body water.
2. Constricting blood vessels: ADH causes vasoconstriction, which can help increase blood pressure when necessary.

Disorders of ADH production or action can lead to conditions such as diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive thirst and urination.

The Pituitary Gland in Pregnancy and Childbirth

The pituitary gland undergoes significant changes during pregnancy and plays a crucial role in childbirth and lactation. Two hormones, in particular, are essential during this period:

Prolactin

Produced by the anterior lobe, prolactin stimulates milk production in the mammary glands. During pregnancy, prolactin levels rise steadily, preparing the breasts for lactation. After childbirth, prolactin continues to be released in response to suckling, maintaining milk production.

Oxytocin

Stored and released by the posterior lobe, oxytocin plays a crucial role in childbirth and breastfeeding. During labor, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, facilitating the birth process. After delivery, oxytocin promotes bonding between mother and infant and stimulates milk let-down during breastfeeding.

The intricate interplay between these hormones ensures successful pregnancy, childbirth, and early infant care.

Disorders of the Pituitary Gland

Given the pituitary gland’s crucial role in hormone regulation, disorders affecting its function can have wide-ranging impacts on the body. Some common pituitary disorders include:

Pituitary Tumors

Benign tumors of the pituitary gland, called adenomas, can cause hormone overproduction or underproduction, depending on the type of cells affected. These tumors can also cause local pressure effects, leading to headaches or visual disturbances.

Hypopituitarism

This condition occurs when the pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough of one or more hormones. It can result from tumors, radiation therapy, surgery, or other causes. Symptoms vary depending on which hormones are deficient but may include fatigue, weakness, and reproductive issues.

Hyperpituitarism

Excessive production of one or more pituitary hormones characterizes this condition. It often results from a pituitary tumor and can lead to various symptoms depending on the hormone(s) involved. For example, excess growth hormone can cause acromegaly in adults.

Diagnosing and treating pituitary disorders often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, and other specialists.

The Pituitary Gland and the Stress Response

The pituitary gland plays a crucial role in the body’s stress response, working in concert with the hypothalamus and adrenal glands in what is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

The HPA Axis in Action

When the body encounters a stressor, the following sequence of events occurs:

1. The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).
2. CRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
3. ACTH travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, stimulating the release of cortisol.
4. Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” helps the body respond to stress by mobilizing energy resources and modulating immune function.

This intricate feedback system helps the body maintain homeostasis in the face of various stressors, both physical and psychological.

Chronic Stress and the Pituitary Gland

While the stress response is crucial for survival, chronic activation of the HPA axis can have detrimental effects on health. Prolonged elevation of stress hormones can lead to various health issues, including:

• Weakened immune function
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Metabolic disturbances
• Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression

Understanding the pituitary gland’s role in the stress response can help in developing strategies to manage stress and maintain overall health.

The Pituitary Gland and Aging

As the body ages, changes in pituitary function can have significant impacts on overall health and well-being. Some age-related changes in pituitary function include:

Growth Hormone Decline

Growth hormone production typically declines with age, leading to changes in body composition, including decreased muscle mass and increased body fat. This decline has led to interest in growth hormone replacement therapy for older adults, although its use remains controversial.

Changes in Reproductive Hormones

The pituitary’s production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) changes with age, contributing to menopause in women and andropause in men. These hormonal shifts can affect fertility, bone density, and overall health.

Pituitary Reserve

While the pituitary gland generally maintains its function well into old age, its reserve capacity may decrease. This means that under stress or illness, the gland may not respond as robustly as it would in younger individuals.

Understanding these age-related changes can help in developing strategies to maintain health and quality of life as we age.

Future Directions in Pituitary Research

Research into the pituitary gland continues to yield new insights and potential therapeutic approaches. Some exciting areas of ongoing research include:

Gene Therapy

Researchers are exploring the potential of gene therapy to treat certain pituitary disorders. For example, introducing genes that produce specific hormones could potentially help patients with hormone deficiencies.

Stem Cell Research

The potential to generate pituitary cells from stem cells offers hope for new treatments for pituitary disorders. This approach could potentially allow for the replacement of damaged or dysfunctional pituitary tissue.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Developing methods to deliver drugs specifically to the pituitary gland could improve treatment efficacy while reducing side effects. This approach could be particularly beneficial for treating pituitary tumors.

Neuroendocrine Interactions

Continued research into the complex interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system, with the pituitary gland at the interface, promises to yield new insights into how the body maintains homeostasis and responds to various stimuli.

As our understanding of the pituitary gland continues to grow, so too does our ability to diagnose and treat disorders affecting this crucial endocrine organ. The pituitary gland, though small in size, remains a giant in its importance to human health and physiology.

How does the pituitary gland work? – InformedHealth.org

Created: March 22, 2011; Last Update: April 19, 2018; Next update: 2021.

The pituitary gland regulates various body functions and plays an important role in balancing hormone levels in the body. It is a protrusion at the base of the brain and about the size of a pea or cherry. The gland lies well protected in a small bony cavity of the skull, level with the eyes, and roughly in the middle of the head.

The pituitary gland: Location and individual parts

Together with the hypothalamus – which belongs to a part of the brain known as the diencephalon – the pituitary gland controls the involuntary (vegetative) nervous system. This part of the nervous system manages the balance of energy, heat and water in the body, which includes things like body temperature, heartbeat, urination, sleep, hunger and thirst. The pituitary gland also produces a number of hormones that either regulate most of the other hormone glands in the body or have a direct effect on specific organs.

The pituitary gland is made up of four parts, each with their own functions:

• Anterior lobe

• Posterior lobe

• The part that joins the two lobes (pars intermedia)

• Pituitary stalk, which forms the connection to the diencephalon

Anterior lobe

The anterior lobe makes up about three quarters of the overall mass of the pituitary gland. It produces two kinds of hormones:

1. Hormones that control other hormone-producing glands

2. Hormones that have a direct effect on the body

The group of hormones that control glands includes:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): regulates hormone production in the thyroid gland.

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones such as adrenalin (epinephrine) or steroids.

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): regulates hormone production in the ovaries and testicles.

• Luteinizing hormone (LH): also has an effect on hormone production in the ovaries and testicles.

The group of hormones that have a direct effect includes:

• Growth hormone (GH), also called somatotropic hormone (STH): has an effect in many parts of the body – particularly the liver, bones, fat tissue and muscle tissue.

• Prolactin: influences the mammary glands and ovaries.

The hormones are released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland and then travel through the blood vessels until they reach the various organs they have an effect on. TSH, for example, stimulates the thyroid gland to increase or reduce the production of thyroid hormones, depending on how much is needed. Prolactin stimulates the growth of girls’ mammary glands in puberty, suppresses ovulation in pregnant women, and triggers the production of breast milk after giving birth.

The production of hormones in the anterior lobe itself is regulated in two ways:

• Through the hypothalamus, which makes hormones (known as “releasing hormones”) that increase the production of hormones in the anterior lobe or hormones (known as “inhibiting hormones”) that reduce it.

• Through hormone levels in the blood: For instance, if the level of thyroid hormones in the body is high enough, the pituitary gland stops producing the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland. This works the other way round, too: If the level of thyroid hormones is too low, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus increase the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone. The thyroid gland then produces more thyroid hormones.

Posterior lobe

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland mainly consists of entangled nerve fibers coming from the hypothalamus. Two different hormones are stored in the posterior lobe. They are released if needed:

• Oxytocin: affects the womb and mammary glands, and causes contractions in childbirth, for instance.

• Antidiurietic hormone (ADH): regulates water uptake in the kidneys and makes the blood vessels narrower.

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is directly connected to the hypothalamus through the pituitary stalk.

Intermediate part (pars intermedia)

Hormone-producing tissue is found between the anterior and posterior pituitary, too. Melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH) are produced in this intermediate part of the pituitary gland. They stimulate the production of things like melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment that protects against harmful ultraviolet sun rays. MSH also regulates our appetite and influences our sex drive.

Sources

• Menche N. (ed.) Biologie Anatomie Physiologie. München: Urban & Fischer/ Elsevier; 2016.

• Psychrembel W. Klinisches Wörterbuch.  Berlin: De Gruyter; 20142017.

• Schmidt R, Lang F, Heckmann M. Physiologie des Menschen: mit Pathophysiologie. Heidelberg: Springer; 2011.

• IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping
  people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health
  care services.

  Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the
  German health care system. The suitability of any of the described options in an individual
  case can be determined by talking to a doctor. We do not offer individual consultations.

  Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a
  team of
  health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts. You can
  find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in
  our methods.

Pituitary gland | You and Your Hormones from the Society for Endocrinology

Alternative names

Hypophysis 

Where is my pituitary gland?

Computer artwork of a person’s head showing the left hemisphere of the brain inside. The highlighted area (centre) shows the pituitary gland attached to the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain.

The pituitary gland is a small gland that sits in the sella turcica (‘Turkish saddle’), a bony hollow in the base of the skull, underneath the brain and behind the bridge of the nose. The pituitary gland has two main lobes, the anterior pituitary gland and the posterior pituitary gland, which are joined by pars intermedia. The gland is attached to a part of the brain (the hypothalamus) that controls its activity. The anterior pituitary gland is connected to the brain by short blood vessels. The posterior pituitary gland forms part of the brain and secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream under the command of the brain.

What does my pituitary gland do?

The pituitary gland is called the ‘master gland’ as the hormones it produces control so many different processes in the body. It senses the body’s needs and sends signals to different organs and glands throughout the body to regulate their function and maintain an appropriate environment. It secretes a variety of hormones into the bloodstream which act as messengers to transmit information from the pituitary gland to distant cells, regulating their activity. For example, the pituitary gland produces prolactin, which acts on the mammary glands in the breasts to induce milk production. The pituitary gland also secretes hormones that act on the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, ovaries and testes, which in turn produce other hormones. Through secretion of its hormones, the pituitary gland controls metabolism, growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions and processes.

What hormones does my pituitary gland produce?

Regulated by releasing or inhibitory signals from the hypothalamus and the circulatory hormone level, the anterior pituitary gland produces the following hormones and releases them into the bloodstream:

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete steroid hormones, principally cortisol
• Growth hormone, which regulates growth, metabolism and body composition via acting on the liver, bones, adipose tissue (fat deposit) and muscle
• Luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, also known as gonadotrophins. They act on the ovaries or testes to stimulate sex hormone production, and egg and sperm maturity
• Prolactin, which stimulates milk production in the mammary glands
• Thyroid stimulating hormone, which stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones.

Each of these hormones is made by a separate type of cell within the pituitary gland, except for follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone, which are made together by the same cell.

Two hormones are produced by the hypothalamus and then stored in the posterior pituitary gland before being secreted into the bloodstream. These are:

• Anti-diuretic hormone (also called vasopressin), which controls water balance and blood pressure
• Oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions during labour and milk secretion during breastfeeding.

Between the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary lies the pars intermedia, also called intermediate pituitary gland. Cells here produce:

• Melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which acts on cells in the skin to stimulate the production of melanin, which is a pigment that protects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation

What could go wrong with my pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is an important gland in the body and the hormones it produces carry out varied tasks and regulate the function of many other organs. This means that the symptoms experienced when the pituitary gland stops working correctly can be different, depending on which hormone is affected.

Conditions that affect the pituitary gland directly can be divided into three main categories:

1. Conditions that cause the pituitary gland to produce too much of one or more hormone(s). Examples include acromegaly, Cushing’s disease and prolactinoma.
2. Conditions that cause the pituitary gland to produce too little of one or more hormone(s). Examples include adult-onset growth hormone deficiency, diabetes insipidus and hypopituitarism.
3. Conditions that alter the size and/or shape of the pituitary gland. Examples include empty sella syndrome.

A cell type may divide and then form a small benign lump, known as a tumour, and the patient may then suffer from the effects of too much of the hormone the cell produces. If the tumour grows very large, even though still benign, it may squash the surrounding cells and stop them working (hypopituitarism), or push upwards and interfere with vision – a visual field defect. Very occasionally, the tumour may expand sideways and cause double vision as it affects the nerves that control eye movements. It should be emphasised that even when these tumours are large, they very rarely spread to other parts of the body. Lines of treatments to pituitary tumour include surgical operations and radiotherapy.

Useful link: The Pituitary Foundation

Last reviewed: May 2021

Pineal gland

Placenta

Tags for this content

Coordination and Control
Key Stage 4
Age 14 – 16

Cushing’s disease
Diabetes insipidus
Empty sella syndrome
Gigantism
Hypopituitarism
Prolactinoma
Sheehan’s syndrome
Acromegaly
Adult-onset growth hormone deficiency
Childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency
Non-functioning pituitary tumours
Pituitary apoplexy
Nelson’s syndrome
View all Endocrine conditions

Growth hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Anti-diuretic hormone
Cortisol
Follicle stimulating hormone
Luteinising hormone
Oxytocin
Prolactin
Thyroid stimulating hormone
View all Hormones

Adrenal glands
Hypothalamus
Ovaries
Testes
Thyroid gland
View all Glands

benign
labour
metabolism
View all Glossary

What organs belong to the endocrine system? — Endocrin Clinic

Contents:
1. What are hormones responsible for in our body?
2. What are the main components of the endocrine system?

What are hormones responsible for in our body?

Recently, all the inhabitants of our planet (not only doctors) have been very active in studying hormones.
“Harmony in hormones” is practically the slogan of a healthy person. And it doesn’t make sense. What are hormones responsible for in our body? The endocrine system or hormonal system is responsible for the regulation of all biological processes in the body from conception to old age.
Hormones (in parallel with the immune and nervous systems) clearly affect:

• growth and development of the whole organism,
• reproductive system function affect our psycho-emotional state! Just one of many examples is the so-called adolescence! How many “defeats” adults have won in the fight against unbridled teenagers. And in this war, one of the leading commanders has hormonal changes in the child’s body.
  So what are those very invisible “soldiers” of our body that actively influence our lives? Hormones are, in fact, the “couriers” of our body, such carriers of health (with the proper functioning of all organs and systems). Once in the blood, they deliver chemicals to the cells of the whole body. Hormones are produced in the endocrine glands and are proteins, steroids or protein derivatives.
  In addition to the endocrine system, the organs of our body are also involved in the production of hormones.
  Such as:
  • brain,
  • liver
  • heart and others. Do not follow the regime of the day, stress, lack of age-appropriate physical activity – all this entails the body’s inability to correctly and most importantly, release the necessary hormones that are so necessary for our body in time.

    What are the main components of the endocrine system?

    1. The hypothalamus is that part of the brain that is, in a way, a bridge between the endocrine and nervous systems. Its main task is to instruct the pituitary gland to start or stop producing hormones.
    2. The pituitary gland is the emperor of our endocrine system. He gives a command what to do to other glands of the body. We list only a few main spheres of influence of the pituitary gland:
       • affects the growth of the body
       • babies will never be deprived of mother’s milk with the smooth functioning of the pituitary gland
       • estrogen – female hormones
       • testosterone – male hormones.
       • Pineal gland – produces melatonin, the lack of which we suffer from insomnia and, as a result, an unstable emotional state
       • Thyroid gland. Instability in its function contributes to disturbances in physical and mental development, in the functioning of the cardiovascular system and in metabolism. We should not forget that the thyroid gland is a repository for iodine (such an essential substance, and especially in our region).
    3. Parathyroid gland is a calcium and phosphorus regulator.
    4. Thymus is the main violin in the development of the child’s immune system.
    5. Adrenal glands – promotes the production of an amazing hormone under the pseudonym “fight or flight” – adrenaline. In any extreme situation, it gives the human body incredible power to make a decision to either run or fight. The adrenal glands also produce hormones called corticosteroids. They affect your metabolism, heart rate, oxygen consumption, blood flow and sexual function.
    6. Pancreas. This organ is part of our digestive system. But, oddly enough, the endocrine system too. In addition to its main function of producing digestive enzymes and breaking down food, the pancreas also produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon. Pancreatic control ensures that you have the right amount of sugar in your bloodstream and cells. (an example is the “plague of the 21st century” – diabetes).
    7. Ovaries – produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones promote breast development during puberty, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support pregnancy.
    8. Testicles . In men, testosterone is produced by the testicles. This helps them grow facial and body hair during puberty. It also causes the male sexual organ to grow in size and plays a role in the production of semen.

    Head pituitary MRI in Lipetsk

    MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the pituitary gland – a method of radiation diagnostics that allows you to study the work of the gland without direct intervention in the body. The procedure is a multiple reproduction of an organ in a three-dimensional model. The doctor receives a full report on the vital parameters of the application area. The technique has long been used in large medical institutions. Below, we will tell you why this type of diagnosis is necessary, how to properly prepare the patient for the procedure, in which cases it is possible to contrast the pituitary gland. For the patient, this procedure is absolutely safe. Diagnosis allows with great accuracy to help make the correct diagnosis and adjust the treatment.

    What is the role of the pituitary gland in our body?

    The pituitary gland belongs to the endocrine glands. Its main function is the production of hormones of the reproductive system. Hormones are produced that are directly responsible for the well-being of procreation. This organ is important for both men and women. Pathological failure can lead to serious diseases.

    The gland is located at the base of the skull; a special place is defined for it – the Turkish saddle. Anatomically, it is divided into two parts – anterior and posterior.

    When to do an MRI?

    Diagnosis of the pituitary gland is important for any suspicion of a disease of the reproductive system. A specialist can prescribe a study with increasing age-related brain damage. It is important to contact the clinic in a timely manner in case of any manifestation of the disease.

    Our patients are referred for MRI if a pituitary adenoma or differentiation of other malignant diseases is suspected. Pituitary adenoma is a benign disease. It comes from the so-called glandular epithelium, of which the gland is composed. The disease is characterized by a short development time, so we recommend that you undergo the procedure immediately.

    What are the indications for an MRI?

    1. Childhood or adult development of Cushing’s syndrome.
    2. Increasing the concentration of individual hormones in the analyzes.
    3. Confirmed increase in blood prolactin.
    4. Failure of the human endocrine system (exacerbation of seasonal diseases, weight gain, increased blood glucose levels)
    5. Persons who have persistent headaches of unspecified cause.
    6. The increase in symptoms of fatigue, decreased performance, reduced mental activity.
    7. A sharp decrease in vision for an unknown reason.
    8. Irregularity in the menstrual cycle.
    9. Excessive set in body weight, or vice versa, a sharp decrease.
    10. Decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
    11. In men, a decrease in erectile ability can serve as a frequent appeal for help.
    12. The absolute reason for the procedure is a deviation in growth – dwarfism or gigantism

    What are the contraindications for MRI?

    However, the contraindications of computed tomography should also be noted. Doctors distinguish between absolute and relative contraindications.

    Absolute include :

    1. Non-removable iron objects implanted into the patient’s body. These may include pacemakers, metal braces, prostheses. When turned on, all metal products are attracted to the frame of the device. Patient may be seriously injured0020

    2. Certain categories of patients suffering from severe type 1 diabetes mellitus with an installed insulin pump.

    Relative contraindications include:

    1. The presence in the patient’s body of a prosthesis made of non-metallic material. The tomograph is equipped with the strongest magnet.
    2. Women in all stages of pregnancy and lactation. Obstetricians – gynecologists advise to refrain from performing MRI at least in the first trimester of pregnancy.
    3. People who are overweight. In cases of morbid obesity, a person simply runs the risk of not fitting into the frame of the apparatus. It is necessary to warn doctors in advance.
    4. Citizens with unstable mentality. Especially for those who are afraid of closed spaces. During MRI, unstable patients are “covered” by a wave of panic.
    5. Because of this, cardiologists do not recommend this procedure for people who have had a previous myocardial infarction or have a history of heart failure.
    6. The risk of heart pain is very high!

    Study preparation:

    Before performing the diagnosis, the patient should only have hygiene items with him and refrain from eating in the morning, remove all metal objects and jewelry from himself.

    Otherwise, we do not require specific training from our clients.

    How is the research done?

    All our patients undergo an initial examination by specialists, and only then they are sent for scanning. Most manipulations occur with the use of a contrast agent.

    Before starting the procedure, the nurse prepares the patient. Installs a catheter, injects a drug containing contrast. The patient is placed on the tomograph couch. The physician assistant selects the area of ​​study. At the doctor’s command, the diagnosis begins. Performing gland modeling requires high definition and proper styling of the person. In the process of manipulation, fixing materials may be needed.

    The whole procedure takes about an hour. The patient has to be patient. The duration of the manipulation is due to the long penetration of the contrast into the area of ​​interest.

    Then the doctor sees the visualization of the organ in three planes on the screen. The specialist evaluates and describes all the necessary parameters of the pituitary gland. A conclusion is issued.

    Advantages of MRI over other research methods?

    1. The procedure is safe for all people. It is not associated with a direct effect on the body. The procedure does not require intervention in the veins and inside the body.
    2. Does not require anesthesia. When scanning, the pain factor was excluded.
    3. No radiation applied. Modern devices do not produce radiation. There is only a magnetic field in the office.
    4. The method is indispensable in the search for any type of tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging is now number one in the diagnosis of malignant diseases.
    5. Research accuracy. The smallest details of the organ will be presented on the doctor’s monitor.
    6. Full visualization.
    7. When using contrast, allergic reactions do not occur. Modern contrast agents have a hypoallergenic active ingredient.