Specialist in Pituitary Gland Disorders
Endocrinologist and Pituitary Gland Disorder Specialist
located in Peachtree City, GA
Pituitary Gland Disorders
Pituitary Gland Disorders, including benign tumors, affect approximately 10-22% of adults and frequently remain asymptomatic. Patients with pituitary disorders may develop symptoms related to pituitary hormone excess or deficiency which can disrupt various bodily functions. Headaches and vision changes can happen due to growing pituitary tumor. At Peach State Endocrinology in Peachtree City, GA, Evgenia Korytnaya, MD (Dr. K), specializes in Pituitary Gland Disorders like Pituitary Adenoma, Prolactinoma, Hyperprolactinemia, and Hypopituitarism. Schedule online or call to schedule an appointment with Dr. K today.
Pituitary Adenoma
What is it:
Pituitary adenomas are noncancerous tumors that develop within the pituitary gland, which is responsible for producing and regulating various hormones. These tumors can disrupt hormonal balance and sometimes cause excessive hormone production.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of pituitary adenomas depend on the size of the tumor and the hormones it affects. Common symptoms of the larger tumors include headaches and vision problems.
Symptoms related to deficiency of pituitary hormones include:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Nausea
- Feeling cold
- Weight changes
If pituitary tumor is making too much of adrenocorticotropic hormone, also called ACTH, patients develop Cushing disease and symptoms/signs include:
- Weight gain
- Rounded face
- Stretch marks
- Thin skin and bruising
- Thinning of arms and legs
- Muscle weakness
- Thicker body hair
- Slow healing of wounds
- Acne
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
Pituitary tumors making growth hormone lead to a condition called acromegaly. Symptoms of acromegaly include:
- Changes in facial features, including prominent forehead, larger lower jaw, larger nose, lips
- Wide spaces between teeth
- Growth of hands and feet
- Thicker skin
- Increased sweating, oily skin and body odor
- Joint pains
What causes it?
The exact causes of pituitary adenomas are often unknown. However, genetic mutations and certain hereditary conditions may play a role in their development. Environmental factors could also contribute.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis involves imaging tests such as pituitary MRI to visualize the tumor. Blood tests measure hormone levels. Treatment options include surgery to remove the tumor, medications to control hormone levels, and in some cases, radiation therapy.
Learn more about Pituitary Tumors at Endocrine Society.
Learn more about Acromegaly here.
Learn more about Cushing’s disease here.
Prolactinoma
What is it:
Prolactinomas are a type of pituitary adenomas that produce too much of a hormone prolactin. Prolactinomas lead to elevated prolactin levels in blood, causing various symptoms.
Symptoms:
In women, symptoms may include irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, and milk production even when not breastfeeding. Men may experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and rarely, discharge from nipples.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure prolactin levels and imaging studies (MRI) to locate the tumor. Treatment options include medications that reduce prolactin levels and shrink the tumor. Surgery may be necessary if medications are ineffective but is rarely needed.
Learn more about Elevated Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia) and Prolactinoma at Endocrine Society.
Hyperprolactinemia
What is it:
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of prolactin in the blood.
Symptoms:
Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycle in women, infertility, decreased levels of sex hormones, decreased libido, and milky nipple discharge (galactorrhea) in both men and women.
What causes it?
Hyperprolactinemia can result from prolactinomas (prolactin-producing pituitary adenomas) or other growths in the area of pituitary gland, certain medications (e.g., antipsychotics), thyroid disorders, chest wall trauma and other medical conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis involves measuring prolactin levels in the blood and figuring out the cause. Pituitary MRI maybe necessary. Treatment depends on the underlying issue and may involve discontinuing certain medications, treating thyroid disorders, or addressing other underlying causes. Prolactinoma is usually treated with medications that reduce prolactin levels and shrink the tumor. Surgery is rarely required for patients with prolactinoma.
Learn more about Hyperprolactinemia at Endocrine Society.
Hypopituitarism
What is it:
Hypopituitarism is a condition where pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. It can result from various causes, including pituitary tumors, prior brain surgery or radiation treatment to the brain, certain medications, such as narcotics, inflammation of pituitary gland caused by an unusual immune system response, called Hypophysitis. Some of the modern cancer therapies (immunotherapy) can cause Hypophysitis.
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on which hormones are deficient. They may include fatigue, weight loss or gain, low blood pressure, reduced libido, and thyroid or adrenal issues.
What causes it?
Hypopituitarism can be caused by pituitary tumors, head trauma, infections, radiation therapy, prior brain surgery or genetic conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure hormone levels and imaging to locate any tumors or damage. Treatment involves hormone replacement therapy to address deficiencies and address the underlying cause, such as tumor removal or radiation therapy if necessary.
Learn more about Hypopituitarism at Endocrine Society.
