The pituitary gland produces growth hormone and aids in respiratory function, thyroid function, blood pressure regulation and breast milk production. It also regulates body temperature and helps metabolize food into energy. As with all components of the body, irregularities may occur in the pituitary gland that can alter healthy functions.
Growth Hormone
The anterior pituitary gland, located in the brain, secretes HGH, or human growth hormone. This essential hormone helps you to maintain youthful vitality and is responsible for the growth of cells, tissues, bones and muscle. After the age of 30, your levels of HGH begin to decrease. Cellular and tissue repair is slowed and the aging process increases.
Acromegaly
Acromegaly occurs in adults, usually between the ages of 30 and 50. Excessive production of growth hormone after the growth plates in bones have closed causes deformities in full-grown bones. The mandible may grow and protrude and the larynx may grow thick. Joint pain and arthritis are common in later years as the excess bone increases.
Gigantism
Gigantism occurs from excess growth hormone in children and adolescents. Because the growth plates in the bones are open and the bones are still growing and developing, high levels of growth hormone cause bones to grow abnormally long, causing the child or adolescent to grow tall in unusually short periods. In gigantism, the person may perspire excessively because of the increased size of sweat glands. In some cases, the heart muscle is enlarged, which can lead to heart problems and possible cardiac arrest or heart failure.
Prolactin Function
Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that is responsible for the production of milk in women's breasts. In pregnant women, prolactin prepares the breasts for milk production and, after birth, prolactin ensures that milk production adequately meets the demands of the child.
Hyperprolactinemia
Hyperprolactinemia occurs when an excess of prolactin is produced in the body. A woman with high levels of prolactin may produce breast milk even if she is not pregnant or nursing. She may miss menstrual periods and sometimes experience a reduced sex drive. In some cases, infertility is possible as well. In men, hyperprolactinemia can cause impotence, enlarged breasts and a loss of sex drive.
Causes
An increase in the production of human growth hormone and prolactin is often caused by a benign tumor. In hyperpolactinemia, tumors referred to as prolactinomas, which secrete prolactin, may be present. Pregnancy and certain medications may also lead to excessive secretion of prolactin. Excessive production of human growth hormone is also often caused by the presence of a benign pituitary tumor.
