Pituitary Gland

UpdatedSeptember 22, 2026
PublishedMay 9, 2025

The pituitary gland is a gland in the brain that, despite its small size, controls several of the body’s most important functions. It takes orders from the hypothalamus and regulates the body’s hormone system. The function of the pituitary gland affects everything from growth to metabolism and fertility.

MRI Pituitary gland

MRI Pituitary gland

Magnetic resonance imaging

4 495 kr

FALL DEALS! Up to 30% at testmottagningen.se Health checks for increased well-being

Go to the campaign Browse healthchecks

Contents

Quick version

What is the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is a gland located in the bony structure called the sella turcica at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is as small as a pea, but plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s endocrine system by secreting hormones that affect other glands and organs.

Parts of the pituitary gland

The pituitary gland consists of two main parts: the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis). These have different functions and produce different types of hormones.

Hormone production

The pituitary gland produces a variety of hormones, such as growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, as well as hormones that affect the gonads (LH and FSH).

The pituitary gland and body functions

The gland regulates functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, fluid balance, and the body’s response to stress. The activity of the pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus, which acts as a control center in the brain. The hypothalamus registers signals from the body, and the pituitary gland then receives these signals and regulates hormones as needed.

Common conditions and diseases

Various diseases and abnormalities can affect the pituitary gland’s hormone production. Examples include pituitary adenomas, which are usually benign tumours, and pituitary insufficiency, which means that the pituitary gland produces too little of one or more hormones. A prolactinoma is a type of pituitary adenoma that produces too much prolactin.

Some hormone-producing pituitary adenomas can cause conditions that affect other parts of the body. Excess production of growth hormone can lead to acromegaly, while excess production of the hormone ACTH can cause Cushing’s disease. Symptoms vary depending on which hormones are affected and whether the abnormality is pressing on nearby tissues.

Examination and diagnosis

To examine the pituitary gland, blood tests, eye examinations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are often performed. Diagnosis is based on a combination of laboratory analyses and imaging.

Relevant symptoms

  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Headache and vision problems
  • Weight gain or weight loss
  • Irregular menstruation or infertility
  • Increased thirst and frequent urination

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Pituitary tumor
  • Acromegaly
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Diabetes insipidus
  • Hypopituitarism

Written by: The team at Testmottagningen.se
Reviewed by:Hannah Krantz, leg. läkare

Questions and answers

The pituitary gland regulates the body’s hormonal system by controlling other glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads. Its function affects metabolism, growth, fertility, and the body’s stress responses.

The pituitary gland is located in a bony cavity at the base of the brain called the sella turcica, near the optic nerve and the hypothalamus.

If the pituitary gland is removed or damaged, lifelong hormone replacement therapy is required to substitute its functions. It is possible to live without the pituitary gland, but it requires careful medical treatment.

Common diseases include pituitary tumors (adenomas), hypopituitarism, acromegaly, Cushing’s disease, and prolactinoma. These conditions can cause hormonal imbalances and a variety of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems.

The symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and hormonal activity. Common signs include headaches, vision problems, hormonal imbalances, menstrual disturbances, and infertility.

Most pituitary tumors are benign and grow slowly. Some produce an excess of hormones and may require treatment, while others are only monitored regularly.

Yes, since the pituitary gland is located close to the optic nerve, a tumor can cause visual field loss or other vision problems if it presses on the optic pathways.

The pituitary gland produces hormones (LH and FSH) that regulate ovulation in women and sperm production in men. Disorders of the pituitary can therefore lead to infertility.

Treatment may include medication, surgery, or radiation therapy depending on the type of disorder. In cases of hormone deficiency, hormone replacement therapy is given to normalize the body’s functions.

Diagnosis is made through hormone tests, eye examinations, and imaging, most often with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to detect any abnormalities.

Tests related to Pituitary Gland

Call included
MRI Pituitary gland
  • MRI of the pituitary gland, pituitary stalk and surrounding structures.
  • Recommended for hormonal disorders, visual impairment or suspected pituitary tumor.
  • Referral and specialist assessment included – with report within a few days.

4 495 kr