
Pituitary Awareness Week is held in July/August each year to raise awareness of pituitary disease among medical practitioners and the general community. These rare disorders, such as acromegaly, often go undiagnosed for years, affecting health and also the quality of life of those with the condition and their families.
By raising awareness of pituitary disorders, the Australian Pituitary Foundation hopes they will be diagnosed earlier, enabling more effective treatment and management.
The pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that secretes hormones such as growth hormone. It controls the function of all the other glands in your body, including the thyroid, adrenals and reproductive organs.
Read about some conditions that can be caused by pituitary problems, such as Addison's disease, diabetes insipidus, infertility and impotence.
Last Reviewed: 13 April 2011