Typical Symptoms...
The pituitary gland affects many functions of the body, so there are a wide variety of symptoms that can be present when
problems arise. Often a tumour on the gland will cause it to secrete either excess or limited amounts of a
particular hormone. Here's a list of just some of the many symptoms that can arise from pituitary problems...
Growth Disorders
Excess production of growth hormone in children results in gigantism.
Symptoms include sudden increase in height, enlarged head, feet and hands in proportion to
the rest of the body. Excess production of this hormone in adults results in acromegaly - typical
symptoms include largening of the hands, feet, jaw, nose and forehead.
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Weight Problems
Since GH and thyroxine affect metabolism, body weight is also affected. A healthy production
of GH results in a lean physique - muscular and low in fat. Lack of GH could result in excess fat with
little body muscle. Testesterone levels also affect muscle development and therefore body weight. Excess thyroxine results
in an increase in appetite but loss of weight due to increased metabolism. Not enough of the hormone results in a poor
appetite and weight gain. Patients taking cortisone supplements usually find it is accompanied with
weight gain.
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Energy Levels
Excess production of growth hormone in my case as a child resulted in an increase of
energy and stamina. For a while (2-3 years between the ages of 8 and 11) this caused me
to feel extremely well, and I enjoyed playing a number of sports. I even started jogging
in the local park at the age of 11! When I had the gland removed it felt like I had my
power supply cut off. It was a number of years before energy levels returned to an acceptable
level, but my stamina has been poor ever since. When playing any sport now, energy levels
drain away quickly. I find this very frustrating as I was good at sport.
Other hormones affect energy levels - thyroxine, sex hormones and probably cortisol as
well, so its not surprising that pituitary patients struggle to find a balance.
For the last couple of years I've been on GH treatment which has slightly improved energy levels for me.
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Emotions / Depression
Again this comes as no surprise, but because the pituitary gland controls the production of so many hormones,
it affects our emotions. It seems that even a slight disturbance in the delicate balance of the body's hormone
levels can have an effect - both positive and negative. Excess GH makes you feel on
top of the world. Excess androgens (sex hormones) can improve both energy levels and sex drive. But on the other hand,
many pituitary patients feel very low and depressed at times. As a person who has had the gland totally removed,
generally speaking I feel very good most days (apart from a little tired). But every now and again I get my 'low'
days when I'd like nothing better than to be by myself...I know that other patients are
far worse off than me in this regard....
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Eyesight / Headaches
Tumours on the pituitary gland sometimes press on the optic nerve behind the eyes. Obvious
side effects would be poor vision and headaches. I suffered both of these a few months prior to the
operation to remove the gland. Once the tumour and gland were removed, these symptoms disappeared.
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Fertility
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the testes in men to produce sperm - in women it stimulates egg formation in the ovaries.
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Libido (sex drive)
Controlled by testesterone, although sometimes even high levels of this hormone do not
necessarily result in a high libido.
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Joint pains
As I started growing quickly between the ages of 8 and 11 due to excess GH production,
my joints/bones became very painful, particularly in the feet and legs. Doctors put this down to 'growing pains'.
Fortunately for me, when the gland was removed and the growth stopped, all joint pain ceased.
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Sweating / Thirst
When I started to grow more quickly than normal around the age of 8, I started sweating
more. By the time I was 11, any exercise (sport, disco etc) resulted in a lot of sweating
accompanied by a strong thirst. I still sweat easily today without the gland, but the
thirst is controlled by taking desmopressin (aka vasopressin/DDAVP)
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Memory / Concentration
When I remember what I wanted to put in this section I'll let you know.....! :o)
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Circulation / metabolism
Thyroxine levels affect metabolism and circulation. Low levels of this hormone result in a slower metabolism, with symptoms including
cold hands and feet. Increased levels speed up metabolism, raising body temperature and appetite.
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Sense of smell & taste
I was told when I had the gland removed that I would possibly lose my sense of taste and
smell. The doctor didn't realise that I had never had a sense of smell since birth. Nothing changed
when the gland was removed, and even without a sense of smell, my taste is and always has been
very good. Strange but true. So obviously the pituitary gland (or location of it in the brain?)
affects these senses.
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Muscle Development
Growth hormone and testesterone both affect muscle growth & development.
I've gained more muscle (and strength) and had a decrease in body fat since taking GH
replacement.
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