Specialities › Pituitary Disorders
Pituitary Disorders Specialist in Ahmedabad
The pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that controls the thyroid, adrenal glands, sex hormones, growth and water balance. Dr. Moxit Shah, DM Endocrinology, diagnoses and treats pituitary tumours and hormone problems at Vishuddha Diabetes, Thyroid, Weight Loss Clinic, Ahmedabad, working with neurosurgeons and eye specialists when needed.
Pituitary Conditions We Treat
- Pituitary Adenomas (tumours): almost always non-cancerous. They can press on nearby structures, causing headaches and loss of side vision, or make too much of a hormone.
- Acromegaly: too much Growth Hormone in adults, causing enlarging hands and feet, coarse facial features, joint pain, sweating and snoring.
- Cushing’s Disease: a pituitary tumour that makes too much ACTH, leading to excess Cortisol.
- Prolactinoma: a tumour making too much Prolactin (see Prolactin Disorders).
- Hypopituitarism: low levels of one or more pituitary hormones, causing tiredness, low blood pressure, weight change, low sex drive and irregular periods.
- Diabetes Insipidus: a water-balance disorder causing extreme thirst and passing large amounts of dilute urine. It is unrelated to Diabetes Mellitus.
Warning Signs
- Persistent headaches with blurring or loss of side (peripheral) vision
- Irregular or absent periods, milk discharge from the breasts, or infertility
- Low sex drive or erection problems in men
- Unexplained tiredness, weight change, low blood pressure or dizziness
- Growth of hands, feet or jaw, or excessive thirst and urination
How Pituitary Problems Are Diagnosed
- Blood tests: Prolactin, morning Cortisol, TSH and Free T4, LH, FSH, Testosterone or Estradiol, and IGF-1
- Growth Hormone suppression during a glucose tolerance test for Acromegaly
- MRI of the pituitary gland
- Visual field testing by an eye specialist when a tumour is large
Treatment
- Medicines such as Cabergoline for Prolactinoma, and Octreotide, Lanreotide or Pegvisomant for Acromegaly.
- Hormone replacement (Hydrocortisone, Levothyroxine, sex hormones, Growth Hormone) for Hypopituitarism.
- Surgery referral: transsphenoidal (through the nose) surgery for tumours pressing on the eyes or making excess Growth Hormone or ACTH.
- Regular monitoring with hormone tests and MRI for small tumours that need no immediate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pituitary tumour cancer?
Almost all pituitary tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly. They still need assessment, because they can affect hormones and vision.
Does every pituitary tumour need surgery?
No. Prolactinomas usually respond well to tablets, and small tumours that cause no problems may only need monitoring. Surgery is advised mainly for large tumours affecting vision or for tumours making excess Growth Hormone or ACTH.
Is Diabetes Insipidus related to Diabetes Mellitus?
No. Diabetes Insipidus is a problem with the hormone that controls water balance, not blood sugar, although both cause increased thirst and urination.
Related: Prolactin Disorders · Adrenal Disorders · Growth & Puberty Disorders
Vishuddha Diabetes, Thyroid, Weight Loss Clinic, Elite Magnum, 104-105, Bhuyangdev Cross Road, Opp. Utsav Elegance, Vardhmannagar Society, Ghatlodiya, Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380061. Call or WhatsApp +91 99799 92797. Open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.