Pituitary Disorders
Overview of Pituitary Disorders
Pituitary Disorders Meaning in Urdu
یہ مرض اس وقت لاحق ہوتا ہے جب دماغ میں ایک خاص قسم کا ہارمون پیدا نہیں ہوتا یا بہت کم مقدار میں پیدا ہوتا ہے۔ یہ مرض چوں کہ دماغ پر اثر انداز ہوتا ہے اس لیے اسے خطرناک تصور کیا جاتا ہے۔ اس کی وجہ سے متلی، قے، کمزوری، سردی کا احساس، حیض نہ آنا، جنسی مسائل، بار بار پیشاب آنا، اور وزن میں کمی کا سامنا کرنا پڑ سکتا ہے۔ اس مرض کی وجہ سے بعض اوقات وزن میں اضافہ بھی ہو جاتا ہے اور پٹھوں کو بھی نقصان پہنچ سکتا ہے۔
Pituitary disorders occur when there are too few or too many hormones released by the pituitary gland (a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain) in the body. A lot of times these disorders occur due to pituitary tumors. During pituitary disorders, the pituitary gland may cause hormone imbalance, and there are low or high levels of particular hormones observed. Pituitary disorders are slow to develop and it takes time to notice them.
Signs and Symptoms of Pituitary Disorders
The symptoms depend on the hormone being affected and on the disorder that occurred. However some of the common symptoms noticed are,
- Hair Loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Vision problems
- Breast milk production
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Low sex drive
- Abnormal growth of the body
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Weight Gain
- Low levels of energy
Types of Pituitary Disorders
There are a few types of pituitary disorders observed in individuals. Some of these can be serious and some are quite common. These include:
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a disorder of the pituitary gland where the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. This excessive release can cause bones and organs to grow abnormally. Acromegaly if worsened can cause life-threatening blood vessels and heart diseases.
Cushing Disease
It is a disease of the pituitary gland where there is excess production of cortisol hormone. Cortisol can also come from external sources, through medications. This can cause rapid weight gain and a round belly along with a hump on the neck.
Growth Hormone Deficiency
This happens when the pituitary gland doesn't make enough growth hormone. Growth hormone is responsible for the growth of bones and the development of organs. Growth Hormone Deficiency affects memory and concentration, heart function, and bone health drastically.
Prolactinoma
A non-cancerous tumor formed on the pituitary gland is called a prolactinoma. During prolactinoma, the body produces too much prolactin. This is a hormone that is responsible for making breast milk. It also helps in increasing fertility, sexual desire, and energy production.
Craniopharyngiomas
A slow-growing non-cancerous tumor formed in the brain is called Craniopharyngiomas. This can impact the hypothalamus in the brain and interferes with the normal production of hormones.
Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma
A nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma is a tumor present in the brain and is very common. These can impact vision, can cause intense headaches, and can cause extreme fatigue and weakness.
Rathke’s Cleft Cyst
A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms in the pituitary cap called Rathke’s Pouch. This cyst presses on the pituitary glands and can disturb the function of the optic nerve causing vision problems.
Causes of Pituitary Disorders
Pituitary disorders can affect someone due to a few causes. These can be:
- Bleeding near the pituitary gland
- Head injury
- Some cancer treatments
- Medications
Risk Factors of Pituitary Disorders
There are some risk factors that increase the risk of pituitary disorders. These are:
Family History
Pituitary Disorder can run in the family. So individuals suffering from this disorder are very much likely to have someone in the family with Pituitary Disorder.
Genetic Conditions
There are some genetic conditions that can result in increasing the risk of a pituitary disorder. These can be:
- Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, type 1
There are some risk factors that increase the risk of pituitary disorders. These are:
Family History
Pituitary Disorder can run in the family. So individuals suffering from this disorder are very much likely to have someone in the family with Pituitary Disorder.
Genetic Conditions
There are some genetic conditions that can result in increasing the risk of a pituitary disorder. These can be:
- Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, type 1
Prevention
Diagnosis
Pituitary Disorders can be diagnosed by getting some tests done. Your Healthcare practitioner can ask you to get two types of tests done: Hormonal Tests and Dynamic Tests. Imaging is also used to find out hormone deficiencies and related diseases.
Hormone Tests
To measure the pituitary hormone levels, the tests to get done include:
Urine Test: A urine test is taken to measure the level of the cortisol hormone
Blood Test: A blood test is conducted to measure the levels of the hormones
Saliva Test: A saliva test is conducted to measure the levels of cortisol
Dynamic Tests
These tests are used to increase or decrease the number of certain hormones in the body. This is done to judge the response of the body. These can include:
Growth Hormone Stimulation Test: This done to find growth hormone deficiency
Glucose Suppression Test: This test is performed by using a glucose solution to indicate growth hormone production
Dexamethasone Suppression Test: A medication by mouth is given that measures the cortisol levels in the blood.
Imaging
Imaging can be used to detect pituitary tumors. It also helps your healthcare provider to see the possibility of performing certain procedures. Advanced MRI is used to detect Pituitary Disorders.
Treatment of Pituitary Disorders | When to Consult a Doctor
Pituitary Disorders can be treated by using many ways. These include:
Medication
All pituitary disorders, including tumors, can disturb the hormones. Medication is prescribed by healthcare experts to reduce symptoms by decreasing the production of hormones or by replacing hormones when they are not needed in the body.
Surgery
Surgery is majorly used for removing pituitary tumors if the tumor starts to press the optic nerves and disturb vision. Surgery is performed depending on the size and location of the tumor.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used to treat pituitary tumors using high-energy sources of radiation. This is often used after performing surgery. This helps in the removal of the tumor if it is not removed properly through surgery or if the signs and symptoms persist after medication.
Hormone Replacement
This is done when after surgery the pituitary gland stops producing needed hormones. Replacement hormones then keep the levels of hormones normal.
In case of any concerning signs and symptoms, consult a certified endocrinologist.
Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Pakistan
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Lahore
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Karachi
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Islamabad
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Multan
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Rawalpindi
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Peshawar
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Faisalabad
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Hyderabad
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Quetta
- Doctors to treat Pituitary Disorders in Rahimyar khan