Pituitary disorders

Treatments

Treatments vary depending on the reason for the pituitary disorder. Medications may be used to block hormone action, supplement missing or deficient hormones, and shrink pituitary tumours (to reduce compression symptoms and sometimes prior to surgery). When a pituitary tumour is present, surgery may be done to either remove the tumour or remove most of the tissue when all of it cannot be removed. The pituitary gland is accessed through the nose (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 tumour size and excess hormone production.

Patients should work with their doctor and/or an endocrinologist (a doctor that specialises in the endocrine system) to determine the best treatment(s) for them.