Hyperpituitarism

Hyperpituitarism refers to a condition in which the pituitary gland secretes abnormally high levels of pituitary hormones. Hyperpituitarism typically results from a pituitary adenoma, which overproduces one or more of the pituitary hormones.

The symptoms depend on the type and size of the adenoma and the hormones it produces. However, hyperpituitarism associated with large adenomas may cause mass effect, which is characterized by headache and possibly bitemporal hemianopsia due to compression of the optic chiasma. Other common hormone-related symptoms may include: Abnormal growth or enlargement of the head, hands, and feet Developmental delays in children Diabetes mellitus Reproductive problems in men and women Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) Increased blood pressure