Conditions of the Pituitary Gland

Hyperpituitarism: This is a general term defining the oversecretion of one or more pituitary hormones.

Definition: A rare, chronic disease characterized by the abnormal enlargement of the hands and feet.
Cause: This condition results from the excessive secretion of growth hormone specifically after an individual has reached puberty.

Definition: Involves the abnormal and excessive growth of the entire body.
Cause: It is caused by the excessive secretion of growth hormone that occurs prior to puberty, affecting overall height and body size significantly.

Definition: Formally referred to as dwarfism.
Cause: This condition is a result of a deficient secretion of growth hormone, leading to a significantly shorter height compared to the average population.

Definition: A condition where the breasts spontaneously produce milk.
Cause: This occurs due to an excess amount of prolactin, and critically, it happens without the presence of childbirth or pregnancy.

Definition: A benign (non-cancerous) tumor that develops within the pituitary gland.
Effect: This tumor causes the pituitary gland to produce an excessive amount of prolactin.
Clinical Implications:
- In women, it can lead to infertility.
- In men, it can cause erectile dysfunction.

Definition: This is a general term for any tumor (often benign) that arises in the pituitary gland.

Definition: A condition affecting fluid balance in the body.
Causes: It can arise from two primary issues:
- Insufficient Production of ADH: The pituitary gland does not produce enough Antidiuretic Hormone.
- Kidney's Inability to Respond to ADH: The kidneys are unable to properly respond to the ADH that is produced.
Effect: Both causes lead to the kidneys excreting an excessive amount of fluid, resulting in increased urination and thirst.