Pituitary Disorders Program

Click to request an appointment or call 713.441.3802

Support the Peak Center

refer a patient to the peak center

The Pituitary Disorders Program at the Peak Center focuses on aggressive treatment protocols, including dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogs (drugs that mimic natural hormones), minimally invasive endoscopic surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with pituitary tumors and disorders. Our team of neuroendocrinologists and neurosurgeons, in consultation with radiation oncologists when indicated, work together to construct individualized treatment plans to ensure optimal results. We have experience with minimally invasive surgery in more than 4,000 patients, with some of the highest success rates in country with complication rates of less than 1 percent.

Our surgeons have pioneered many of the minimally invasive techniques used in these procedures, and most patients stay in the hospital for only 24 to 48 hours. Using a multimodality approach, the cure rate and rate of control of these tumors is over 95 percent. Our patients go on to enjoy productive lives and careers, with minimal disruption from treatment.

What is the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is a small organ about the size of an acorn. It is surrounded by a bony saddle-like structure above the sinuses at the back of the nose, called the sella turcica. The pituitary gland is sometimes referred to as the "master gland" because it releases substances, which control the basic functions of growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

The pituitary gland is divided into two parts called lobes. These are referred to as the anterior and posterior lobes. Each lobe releases special substances, or hormones, which control basic activities within the body. The specific hormones and their activities are shown below.

The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating many body tissues. Breast function in females, steroid production by adrenal glands, thyroid function, bone growth and health, sexual function in men and women, fluid and electrolyte and water balance, and contraction of the uterus during childbirth are just some of the functions that it regulates. There is a complex balance of feedback loops between the various body organs and the pituitary that enables the body to function optimally.

What is a pituitary tumor?

Pituitary tumors can grow inside or on the surface of your pituitary gland. Because the pituitary gland is located just below the optic (vision) nerves, pituitary tumors can cause vision problems, including partial loss of vision and even blindness.

View our infographic and learn more about causes, detection and treatment of pituitary tumors.

The pituitary gland produces hormones to regulate such body functions as growth, blood pressure and reproduction. Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths in your pituitary gland that may cause excessive production of hormones or restrict the gland’s normal production of hormones. Most pituitary tumors are adenomas, which are non-cancerous growths that do not spread to other parts of your body. Other types of pituitary tumors include pituitary carcinomas, Rathke's cleft cysts and craniopharyngiomas.

The cause of pituitary tumors is unknown. A small number of these tumors seem to be hereditary. They can occur at any age but are more likely to appear in older adults. The symptoms of pituitary tumors are related to the pressure the tumor exerts on the rest of the gland and nearby structures; this pressure affects the amount of hormones your gland produces.

If the tumor is producing hormones (known as a functioning tumor), the type of hormone it is producing will determine your symptoms.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone - secreting tumors stimulate your adrenal glands to make cortisol and may result in Cushing’s syndrome in which fat accumulates around your midsection and upper back, your face gets rounder, you may develop a hump on your upper back, you can experience high blood pressure and blood sugar, your muscles may weaken, your skin may thin and bruise more easily and you may become more anxious, depressed or irritable.
Growth hormone - secreting tumors may cause acromegaly which may coarsen your facial features, enlarge your hands and feet, cause excess sweating, cause high blood sugar, create heart problems and joint pains and increase the growth of body hair.
Prolactin - secreting tumors (prolactinoma) can cause a decrease in the levels of sex hormones. Women may experience irregular menstrual periods or none at all and a milky discharge from their breasts. Men may experience erectile dysfunction, infertility and loss of sex drive.
Thyroid - stimulating hormone-secreting tumors produce too much thyroxine, which may accelerate your body’s metabolism and cause sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness and irritability, feeling too hot and frequent bowel movements.

The chart below summarizes the effects of the hormone of the pituitary gland on various bodily functions. Each hormone has a number of specialized effects, and this chart only summarizes these complicated hormonal interactions.

There is a delicate cycle of secretion and regulation of these functions that varies by time of day and the degree to which a person is physically and psychologically stressed. Each of these hormones can be tested using a variety of different studies. They can be tested by measuring the individual hormone levels in the blood, but they can also be tested by stimulation or suppression tests, which tell the doctors how well the body's balance and regulation of these hormones is working. We may also refer you to an endocrinologist for more testing.

Anterior Lobe	Function
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)	Causes the thyroid gland to grow and release thyroid hormones (called T4 and T3).
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)	Causes adrenal gland to release several hormones, particularly cortisol.
Growth Hormones (GH)	The main hormone for general body growth as well as regulation of glucose metabolism.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)	Stimulates ovulation in women and the production of sperm in men.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)	Stimulates ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.
Prolactin (PRL)	Elevated during pregnancy produces breast enlargement, lactation, and loos of menstrual cycle. Causes impotence in men.

Posterior Lobe	Function
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)	Controls thirst and the amount fluid reabsorbed into the bloodstream and the amount of urine produced by the kidneys.
Oxytocin	Stimulates uterine contractions in women. Its function, if any, in men is unknown.

Pituitary Tumor Surgery Spares Patient's Eyesight - Marcie's Story

Marcie Lester's pituitary tumor was in an area vital to brain function and vision. Neurosurgeon David Baskin, MD, and director of Houston Methodist Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, describes the surgery that saved Lester's vision.

Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment & Research Center

Houston Methodist Hospital - Texas Medical Center

6445 Main Street, Outpatient Center, Floor 24

Houston, TX 77030

713.441.3802

Get Directions

Imaging & Screenings

Get Care Now

Transforming Patient Care

Convenient Locations Across the Greater Houston Area

Pituitary Disorders Program

In This Section

What is the pituitary gland?

What is a pituitary tumor?

Pituitary Tumor Surgery Spares Patient's Eyesight - Marcie's Story

Home

About Us

Connect

Quick Links