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Endocrinology

Pituitary Disorders

Adenomas, hormone excess and insufficiency of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain can lead to complex conditions that affect the hormonal balance of the whole body.

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ℹWhat is Pituitary Disorders?

The pituitary gland, about the size of a hazelnut and located at the base of the brain, is the body's main hormonal control centre. It controls many vital endocrine systems, from the thyroid to the adrenal glands, and through the hormones it secretes it governs our entire metabolic and hormonal balance.

Benign tumours of the pituitary gland (adenomas), as well as under- or over-activity of the gland, can lead to complex and serious conditions that disturb the balance of the whole body.

eKonsey aims to evaluate pituitary disorders holistically through a council of experienced professors in endocrinology, neuroendocrinology and radiology.

Common Symptoms

Visual disturbances
Blurred vision and narrowing of the visual field caused by a growing macroadenoma compressing the optic nerves (optic chiasm).
Signs of high prolactin
In women, irregular or absent periods and breast milk discharge without pregnancy; in men, reduced libido and erectile problems.
Signs of acromegaly
Enlargement of the hands and feet, coarsening of facial features, increasing ring and shoe size, widening gaps between the teeth, a deepening voice, joint pain, diabetes and hypertension.
Signs of Cushing's disease
Rapid central weight gain (thickening of the trunk), a rounded face (moon face), fat accumulation at the back of the neck, purple stretch marks, easy bruising, high blood pressure and muscle weakness.
Signs of pituitary insufficiency
Extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, constant feeling of cold, pale skin, loss of body hair and a slowed metabolism.

Causes

Pituitary Adenomas
Usually benign masses arising from the pituitary gland. By size they are classified as microadenomas (smaller than 1 cm) or macroadenomas (larger than 1 cm). As macroadenomas grow, they can compress the nearby optic nerves (optic chiasm) and cause visual disturbances. Whether an adenoma secretes hormones is determined by reviewing visual field tests and pituitary MRI findings jointly with neurosurgery and endocrinology, and a decision on surgical or medical treatment is made.
Hyperprolactinaemia and Prolactinomas
Prolactin, the milk hormone, rises above normal levels. The most common cause is a prolactinoma, a benign pituitary adenoma, but certain medications, hypothyroidism or stress can also be responsible. The response to dopamine agonist treatment may need to be monitored, and resistant cases requiring surgery identified.
Acromegaly (Growth Hormone Excess)
Blood levels of growth hormone remain chronically high over many years, usually because of a growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma. With the eKonsey approach, IGF-1 and dynamic growth hormone tests are analysed, transsphenoidal (through the nose) surgery is evaluated, or medical preparation is managed.
Cushing's Disease (ACTH and Cortisol Excess)
A complex condition in which the pituitary gland continuously secretes excessive ACTH, stimulating the adrenal glands to produce uncontrolled and excessive cortisol. With the eKonsey approach, complex suppression tests and advanced imaging or sampling methods are interpreted and, where needed, the timing of an endocrine surgical strategy is assessed.
Pituitary Insufficiency (Hypopituitarism)
The pituitary gland cannot produce enough hormones. A single hormone may be deficient, or all pituitary hormones may be lacking (panhypopituitarism). With the eKonsey approach, recommendations and follow-up protocols are planned to replace the missing hormones (cortisone, thyroid hormone, sex hormones, etc.) at the right doses through lifelong replacement protocols.

Second opinion for Pituitary Disorders

A second specialist's review of your Pituitary Disorders diagnosis or treatment plan can clarify your next step. On eKonsey this review is done online.

When is a second opinion useful?

  • When the diagnosis is unclear or more than one possibility was discussed
  • When surgery or a long-term treatment was recommended
  • When the response to treatment is not what you expected

About second opinions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: October 15, 2026

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