Pituitary Disorders

Treatments vary depending on the reason for the pituitary disorder. Medications may be used to block hormone action, supplement missing or deficient hormones, and to shrink pituitary tumors in order to reduce compression symptoms and sometimes prior to surgery. When a pituitary tumor is present, surgery may be performed to remove the tumor. The pituitary gland is accessed through the nose in a procedure called transsphenoidal surgery. The procedure is delicate and requires a surgeon that is experienced in the procedure. Targeted radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with other treatments to decrease tumor size and excess hormone production.

Patients should work with their doctor and/or an endocrinologist, a doctor that specializes in treating disorders of the endocrine system, to determine the best course of treatment(s) for them.