Hyperpituitarism Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hyperpituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland produces too much hormone. The pituitary gland itself is a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain.
The pituitary gland produces hormones that are involved in the regulation of some of the body’s functions. Starting from growth, blood pressure, metabolism, and sexual function.
Hyperpituitarism can affect many processes in the body, including:
- Growth regulation
- Puberty in teenagers
- Skin pigmentation
- sexual function
- Production of breast milk for women who are breastfeeding
- Thyroid gland function
- Reproduction
Symptom
Signs and symptoms that arise in hyperpituitarism can vary, depending on the condition caused. For example Cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly, prolactinoma, or hyperthyroidism.
Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome can include:
- Increase in fat on the upper body
- Excess facial hair in women
- Easy bruising on the body
- Bones that crack or break easily
- Presence of stretch marks on the abdomen that are purple or pink in color
Signs and symptoms of gigantism or acromegaly can include:
- Hands and feet that grow larger than normal
- An enlarged face or with prominent facial characteristics
- Lumps on the skin
- Body odor and excessive sweating
- Weakness
- hoarse voice
- Headache
- Enlarged tongue
- Joint pain and limited joint movement
- Swollen chest
- Irregular menstruation
- Erectile dysfunction
Signs and symptoms of galactorrhea or prolactinoma can include:
- Breasts that produce milk in non-pregnant women, less often in men
- Reproductive dysfunction
- Irregular menstruation or cessation of menstrual cycles
- Infertility
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low energy levels
Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Excess heart rate
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Weakness in the muscles
- Weight loss
Reason
Impaired functioning of the pituitary gland that causes hyperpituitarism is most often caused by a tumor. The most frequently observed type of tumor is an adenoma, which is a benign tumor.
These tumors can cause increased hormone production in the pituitary gland. The presence of the tumor mass can also push and increase pressure on the pituitary gland. This pressure can cause an increase or decrease in hormone production.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hyperpituitarism can be determined from a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations if needed. Investigations for hyperpituitarism depend on the symptoms experienced and the medical history of the individual.
Types of checks that can be carried out include:
- Blood test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- Examination of specific blood samples
- Imaging such as Computerized Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) if a tumor is suspected
Treatment
Treatment of hyperpituitarism will vary depending on the specific diagnosis of the condition it causes. However, management may include one or more of the following:
- Treatment. If a tumor is the cause of hyperpituitarism, treatment can be used to shrink it. This can be done before a surgical procedure to remove the tumor.
Treatment can also be done if surgical procedures cannot be performed. For hyperpituitarism conditions due to other causes, medication can help to treat or manage them.
Some conditions that may require treatment are prolactinoma, where treatment can be aimed at lowering prolactin levels in the blood. Apart from that, there is also acromegaly or gigantism, in which treatment can be aimed at lowering growth hormone levels or growth hormone.
- Surgery. Surgical procedures may be performed to remove the tumor from the pituitary gland. One type of surgery is known as a trans-sphenoidal adenomectomy.
To remove the tumor, the surgeon may make small incisions near the upper lip and nose. This incision allows the surgeon to access the pituitary gland and remove the tumor.
- Radiation. Radiation is another treatment option if an individual cannot undergo a surgical procedure to remove a tumor. It can also be done to treat tumor tissue that may be left behind from previous surgical procedures.
In addition, radiation may be used for tumors that do not respond to treatment. There are two types of radiation that can be used, namely conventional radiation and stereotactic therapy.
Prevention
Until now, there is no known way to prevent hyperpituitarism.