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Endocrinology and Diabetes Program

Pituitary gland problems

The pituitary gland is in the brain and controls the functions of all the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland itself is controlled by a nearby area called the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is important for the health, growth and development of your child or teenager.

Some of the conditions that affect the pituitary gland are:

  • Optic nerve hypoplasia or septo-optic dysplasia
  • AVP deficiency or central diabetes insipidus
  • Radiation-induced pituitary problems
  • Craniopharyngioma
  • Ectopic posterior pituitary gland
  • Empty sella syndrome
  • Prolactinoma
  • Pituitary adenoma

The pituitary gland makes several different hormones that can control other hormone levels:

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH for short. This hormone controls thyroid gland function.
  • Growth hormone or GH for short. This hormone helps with growth.
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH for short. This hormone controls adrenal gland function.
  • Luteinizing hormone or LH for short. This hormone controls puberty.
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH for short. This hormone controls puberty.
  • Vasopressin or AVP for short. This hormone helps with salt-water balance in the body.
  • Prolactin or Prl for short. This hormone controls puberty.  

More information

Pituitary gland care at Children's Wisconsin

  • It is very important for your child’s health to treat pituitary gland problems as soon as possible.
  • At your child’s visit, our team gathers a medical history and performs a physical exam.
  • The team may need to collect blood or urine tests to see if there is a pituitary gland problem.
  • From there, we can decide on a treatment plan for your child together.