Pituitary gland - Renew Wellness Clinic

What is the Pituitary Gland?

The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is a small yet incredibly important endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It is often referred to as the "master gland" because it produces hormones that regulate critical body functions and other glands.

Some key functions of the pituitary gland include:

• Regulating growth: The pituitary gland produces growth hormone that stimulates growth of bone and tissue. It impacts growth during childhood and continues functioning during adulthood.
• Controlling other glands: The pituitary hormones act on the thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testes to control hormone production. The thyroid, adrenals and gonads can't function properly without pituitary hormones.
• Managing reproduction: The pituitary gland makes FSH and LH hormones that signal the ovaries and testes to produce sex hormones and prepare the body for pregnancy and lactation.
• Regulating metabolism: Growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) produced by the pituitary help control metabolism - the process by which the body converts food into energy.

The pituitary gland has two lobes - anterior and posterior. Each lobe produces specific hormones:

• Anterior lobe: Makes prolactin for milk production, TSH to signal the thyroid, ACTH to stimulate the adrenals, growth hormone, and FSH/LH for reproduction.
• Posterior lobe: Produces oxytocin to aid in labor and breastfeeding, and vasopressin to control fluid balance in the body.

So in summary, the pin-sized pituitary gland wields enormous influence over growth, development and everyday body functions. That's why it earns the title of the "master gland!" When it malfunctions, it can lead to issues with growth, blood pressure, lactation, sex hormones, fertility, metabolism and more.