Disorders of the Hypothalamus & Pituitary Gland

Growth Hormone (GH)

Secreted by somatotropes in the anterior pituitary; regulates growth and metabolism.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Secrete by thyrotropes; stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Secreted by corticotropes; stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce corticosteroids.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Secreted by gonadotropes; regulates the development of gametes in the gonads.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Secreted by gonadotropes; triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production.

Prolactin

Secreted by lactotropes; promotes milk production in the mammary glands.

Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

Secreted by the anterior pituitary; influences pigmentation of the skin.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH/Vasopressin)

Secreted by the posterior pituitary; regulates water retention in kidneys.

Oxytocin

Secreted by the posterior pituitary; stimulates childbirth and milk ejection.

Neuroendocrine Axis

A complex system involving interactions between the nervous system and endocrine glands.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

Regulates stress response, mood/emotion, and energy storage/expenditure.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis

Controls thyroid hormone production.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis

Regulates sexual development and reproduction.

Pituitary Adenoma

Tumors of the pituitary gland that can cause hormone overproduction.

Hypopituitarism

A condition characterized by decreased hormone production from the pituitary gland.

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

A syndrome caused by insufficient ADH, leading to excessive urination and thirst.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Vasopressin Secretion (SIADH)

Condition characterized by excessive ADH secretion leading to water retention and hyponatremia.

Prolactinoma

A type of pituitary adenoma that secretes prolactin, often leading to galactorrhea.

Acromegaly

A condition resulting from excessive GH secretion, leading to abnormal growth.

Sheehan Syndrome

Postpartum pituitary failure due to severe blood loss and pituitary necrosis.

Central DI

Caused by decreased production of ADH from the posterior pituitary.

Nephrogenic DI

Caused by a decreased response of the kidneys to ADH.

Hyponatremia

An electrolyte disturbance in which the sodium concentration in the serum is abnormally low.