The pituitary gland is a critical, yet small, endocrine gland located at the base of the brain that is often referred to as the "master gland" due to its widespread regulatory effects. Measuring only about the size of a pea, the pituitary is positioned in a protected pocket of bone behind the eyes known as the sella turcica and connected to the hypothalamus region of the brain by the pituitary stalk.
Despite its diminutive size, the pituitary gland wields tremendous influence throughout the body by manufacturing and secreting numerous hormones that travel through the bloodstream to target organs. The manufactured hormones drive key bodily processes related to growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, thyroid functioning, and more.
The pituitary gland consists of two main regions:
Due to its role managing critical hormones, disorders of the pituitary gland can severely impact development, growth, fertility, pregnancy, metabolism, blood pressure, and more. Both hormone over- and under-production conditions like pituitary tumors, inflammation, genetic mutations, and postpartum hemorrhaging can lead to health complications.
That covers the key basics on the small but mighty pituitary gland! Visit Rejuvenate Hormone Therapy for more information.