How Does Pituitary Gland Works And Produce Hormone

The pea-sized pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain, close to the hypothalamus. At a glance, it looks a relatively insignificant part of the brain, but it actually plays a role in many vital systems.

Often referred to as the ‘master gland’, it not only releases hormones that control various functions, but it also prompts the activity of other glands like the ovaries and testes.

The pituitary gland comprises three sections called lobes: the anterior, the posterior and the intermediate – the latter of which is considered part of the anterior lobe in humans. These work together with the hypothalamus, which monitors hormones in the blood and stimulates the pituitary gland to produce/release the appropriate hormone(s) if levels fall too low.

The anterior lobe produces seven important hormones, which include those that regulate growth and reproduction. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) targets the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and controls metabolism, while luteinising hormone triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. The posterior lobe, meanwhile, doesn’t generate any hormones itself, but stores two: antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which decreases urine production by making the kidneys return more water to the blood, and oxytocin, which tells the uterus to contract during childbirth and also prompts milk production.

Gigantism in focus

The pituitary gland also produces growth hormone, which in adults controls the amount of muscle and fat in the body and plays a key role in the immune system. In children, of course, growth hormone has a very noticeable effect in increasing height and bulk until adulthood. However, sometimes the pituitary gland becomes hyperactive – often as a result of a benign tumour – and produces excess growth hormone. In these cases, a person can grow to a far-beyond-average height, with hands, feet and facial features growing proportionally.

 While this might not seem so bad, gigantism is nearly always accompanied by other health issues, such as skeletal problems, severe headaches and more life-threatening conditions like heart disorders. If diagnosed early, treatment such as drugs that inhibit growth hormone production and surgical removal of the tumour can help avert the more serious conditions of gigantism.