Pituitary Disorder Specialist
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Prime Endocrinology of Tampa
Archana Swami, MD
Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Thyroid Specialist located in Tampa, FL
Pituitary disorders include a complex group of conditions that often arise from a tumor and cause a diverse range of symptoms. At Prime Endocrinology of Tampa, Archana Swami, MD, has extensive experience evaluating your symptoms, completing advanced testing, and accurately diagnosing and treating pituitary conditions. If you have questions about your symptoms or need to schedule an appointment, call the office in Tampa, Florida, or book an appointment online.
Pituitary Disorder Q & A
Why do pituitary disorders cause diverse symptoms?
Your pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate your thyroid and adrenal glands. Those glands then release different hormones that control virtually every function in your body. The pituitary also produces human growth hormone and controls activities in the ovaries, testes, uterus, breasts, and kidneys.
When a problem arises in the pituitary gland, it can increase or decrease the levels of one or several hormones. The resulting hormonal imbalance causes a wide range of symptoms, depending on which body system is affected.
What are the different types of pituitary disorders?
Prime Endocrinology of Tampa diagnoses and treats many pituitary disorders, including:
- Prolactinoma
- Acromegaly
- Cushing's syndrome
- Pituitary adenomas
- Diabetes insipidus
- Adrenal disease
- Thyroid disease
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
Some of the conditions in this list have causes other than pituitary problems. However, when they develop due to a pituitary condition, a hormone-secreting pituitary tumor is often the cause.
What types of pituitary tumors develop?
Pituitary tumors are usually benign (noncancerous) and slow-growing. The two primary types are:
Prolactinomas
Prolactinomas, which account for 40-60%, secrete the hormone prolactin. In men, excess prolactin leads to low testosterone, loss of sex drive, breast enlargement, and weight gain.
In women, elevated prolactin levels cause irregular periods, amenorrhea (no periods), breast enlargement, and milk production. Women may also experience vaginal dryness, infertility, and osteoporosis.
Adenomas
Adenomas are more complex than prolactinomas. Many (but not all) adenomas secrete hormones, causing symptoms that depend on the type and amount of hormone.
The size of the adenoma also affects your symptoms. Large adenomas don't secrete hormones, but they press against the nearby structures. As a result, they cause vision changes, headaches, and, in some cases, a bulging eye.
Small pituitary adenomas release different hormones, resulting in a vast array of symptoms. These are just a few examples:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Achy joints
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
Most adenomas grow slowly, so your symptoms appear gradually.
How are pituitary disorders treated?
Prime Endocrinology of Tampa begins by carefully evaluating your medical history and symptoms. After completing a physical exam, your provider performs testing to determine your hormone levels. In some cases, you may need an MRI or other advanced testing to further refine your diagnosis.
The many types of pituitary disorders have a long list of possible treatments. However, common treatments include medications, hormone replacement therapy, or surgical removal of the tumor.
If you need expert care for pituitary disorders, call Prime Endocrinology of Tampa or book an appointment online today.
