The Hormone Factory
The Pituitary Gland

The Pituitary Gland is a tiny gland located at the base of the brain close to the centre of the human head.  Often referred to as the “master gland”, the Pituitary Gland is the primary controller of many vital processes throughout the body.  It is responsible for the production of several hormones which regulate the following…

  §          Bone growth and density
 §          Muscle density
 §          Skin elasticity, tone and melanin production
 §          Thyroid function
 §          Reproductive hormones and processes

  §          Thirst
 §          Urine production in the kidneys
 §          Uterine contractions in women
 §          The production of breast milk

The pancreas is also under the direct control of the Pituitary Gland meaning that any fluctuation in the levels of pituitary hormones can have an immediate impact on insulin sensitivity.

The Pituitary Gland also regulates the production of many other important hormones throughout the body including…

  §          Cortisol – Maintains blood sugar levels and blood pressure, provides resistance to stress, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and regulates fluid balance in the body.
§          Thyroxine – Regulates heart rate, temperature and metabolism.
§          Oestrogen – Facilitates development and function of reproductive organs and processes, strengthens bones and has a protective effect on the heart.
§          Progesterone – Balances oestrogen levels and facilitates uterine changes for pregnancy.
§          Testosterone – Stimulates facial hair growth, body and muscle development, controls sperm production and strengthens bones.

A malfunction of the Pituitary Gland will obviously have an impact on many aspects of a person’s health.  When pituitary production of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is abnormally low, the result is hypothyroidism which can be mistaken for a thyroid malfunction.  Lower than normal production of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) can lead to skin disorders such as Vitiligo where white patches appear on a person’s body.

Growth Hormone (GH) represents about 40-50% of hormone output from the pituitary gland.  It is now recognised that GH has more to do with the maintenance of overall health than it does with linear growth.  For this reason, perhaps it would be better known as the ‘Health Hormone’.

Hypopituitarism (or Growth Hormone deficiency) is known to cause the following…

  §          Increase in body fat (especially around the waist)
 §          Decrease of lean muscle
 §          Decrease of strength and stamina
 §          Reduction of capacity to exercise
 §          Decrease in bone density
 §          Changes in blood cholesterol concentrations
         (increase in LDL and decrease in HDL)

  §          Increased risk of developing mild diabetes  
         (non-insulin resistant)
 §          Excessive tiredness
 §          Anxiety and depression
 §          Feelings of social isolation
 §          Increased sensitivity to cold or heat

Whilst drug forms of replacement Growth Hormone are available, their prohibitive cost means that long term treatment is not viable for most people.  More research is needed into understanding the manner in which diet affects pituitary functions.

 

References:      “Hypothyroidism” – 2003 Health Information Publications, www.yourmedicalsource.com
                          “Treatment of Pituitary Tumors” – 2000 University of Florida Department of Neurosurgery, www.cushings-help.com
                          “Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency” – 2004 The Pituitary Foundation, www.pituitary.org.uk
                          “Growth Hormone” – 2004 Dr John Monson, St Bartholomew’s Hospital

The information above is based on extensive generic research and is presented for educational purposes only.
No implications should necessarily be drawn from the above information as to the effectiveness or otherwise of any specific product or treatment.
Consultation with your preferred healthcare professional is strongly recommended prior to changing your diet or lifestyle.
No responsibility will be accepted for injury or incident to any persons acting solely on the information presented above.

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