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Pituitary Dysfunction

Meaning

Pituitary Dysfunction refers to any pathological condition where the pituitary gland, recognized as the “master gland” of the endocrine system, exhibits an impaired ability to correctly produce, store, or release its essential trophic hormones in the appropriate physiological amounts. This pathology can manifest as either hypopituitarism (an underproduction of hormones) or hyperpituitarism (an excessive overproduction) of critical regulators like ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH, and Growth Hormone. Since the pituitary centrally controls the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads, its dysfunction inevitably leads to a cascade of complex systemic hormonal imbalances. The clinical presentation can range dramatically from subtle, non-specific fatigue and metabolic shifts to an acute, life-threatening adrenal crisis.