Pituitary Disease
The pituitary gland controls vital hormones affecting growth, reproduction, metabolism, and adrenal or thyroid function. Pituitary tumors and disorders, such as prolactinoma, acromegaly, and Cushing’s disease, can cause hormone overproduction or deficiency.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our endocrinologists collaborate with neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists to ensure accurate diagnosis and targeted, minimally invasive treatment.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Because pituitary disorders affect multiple hormone systems, symptoms can vary widely and often develop gradually. Common signs include:
- Persistent headaches or vision changes
- Fatigue, weakness, or dizziness
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods, infertility, or sexual dysfunction
- Breast discharge unrelated to breastfeeding (in prolactinoma)
- Enlarged hands, feet, or facial features (in acromegaly)
- Weight gain, mood changes, or high blood pressure (in Cushing’s disease)
During your evaluation, your endocrinologist will review your full medical history, current medications, and family background. A focused physical exam and detailed discussion of symptoms help determine which hormone systems may be affected.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of blood tests, imaging, and specialized studies to pinpoint hormonal imbalances and identify possible pituitary tumors. Testing may include:
- Comprehensive hormone panels measuring prolactin, IGF-1, ACTH, cortisol, TSH, T4, LH, FSH, and sex hormones (testosterone or estradiol).
- MRI of the pituitary gland to detect tumors or structural abnormalities.
- Visual field testing to check for changes in peripheral vision, which can occur when a tumor presses on the optic nerve.
This integrated approach allows your care team at The Medical Group of New Jersey to confirm the diagnosis and design a treatment plan customized to your specific condition.
Treatment & Ongoing Management
Treatment depends on the cause and whether hormone levels are elevated or deficient.
- Prolactinomas: Often managed with oral dopamine agonists to normalize hormone levels and shrink the tumor.
- Acromegaly and Cushing Disease: Typically require surgery to remove the tumor; medications or radiation may be added if hormone levels remain high.
- Hypopituitarism: Treated with replacement of missing hormones such as thyroid, cortisol, or sex hormones to restore balance and energy.
Our team coordinates closely with neurosurgeons for minimally invasive transsphenoidal surgery when indicated, and with ophthalmologists for ongoing vision monitoring.
Follow-Up & Long-Term Care
After treatment, regular follow-up is essential to ensure hormone stability and detect any recurrence early. Your endocrinologist will schedule periodic hormone testing, MRI scans, and physical assessments to track progress.
With expert, multidisciplinary care at The Medical Group of New Jersey, most patients regain normal hormone function, reduced symptoms, and a significantly improved quality of life.