Your pituitary gland resides in your brain, and is considered the "master gland" due to its crucial role in growth and development. Tumors in this gland will affect many functions in your body, particularly your hormone balance. Your prolactin levels often increase, negatively affecting other hormones responsible for libido and fertility; high stress also induces prolactin production. Treatment includes exercise, which decreases stress and increases levels of brain chemicals that can keep prolactin levels in check.
Pituitary Tumors
Your pituitary gland is about the size of pea, located in the center of your brain. The front part of your pituitary secretes hormones that regulates these other glands while the back section secretes hormones which control urination and induce labor, the University of Wisconsin's UW Health website explains. Significant tumors in the pituitary gland affect a small percentage of the U.S. population --- approximately 14 in 100,000 people. Typically benign, these abnormal growths cause dysfunctions in levels of hormones like prolactin and testosterone. Symptoms such as low libido, impotence, menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea and vision problems can result.
Prolactinoma
One of the major effects of a pituitary tumor is increases in levels of prolactin, a hormone found in both men and women. In women, prolactin controls lactation, affects menstruation and influences ovulation. High levels of prolactin as a result of pituitary tumor is known as prolactinoma. This condition in women can result in enlarged breasts, milk production, irregular periods and infertility. In men, prolactinoma results in low sperm count, impotence and a decrease in libido, the Malpani Infertility Clinic notes. In addition to pituitary tumors, prolactin levels can increase with stress; if you have a pituitary tumor that is boosting prolactin levels, finding ways to reduce your stress is important.
Treatment
Treatment for pituitary tumors involve reducing the tumor size, rebalancing prolactin levels, removing the tumor if necessary and correcting any vision problems. Exercise is also typically a big part of treatment. Exercising promotes efficient oxygen intake, circulation and muscle growth and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Exercise can help reduce your stress, which affects prolactin levels. Indeed, exercising is "meditation in motion," MayoClinic.com notes. It also boosts levels of healthy endorphins, like dopamine. Prolactin production in the brain is suppressed by dopamine, so increasing levels of endorphins can not only provide an elevation in mood but also help counterbalance prolactin.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program, particularly if you have never exercised before or have a heart or other chronic health condition. If you have had surgery, follow your doctor's rehabilitation protocol. Physical activity is an important part of pituitary tumor treatment, but overworking yourself can harm your body and overall health. Begin gradually, increasing your intensity over time.
