However, they often interfere with the release of hormones. Pituitary tumors are usually noncancerous.

This can impact the release of hormones.Įxamples of pituitary gland disorders include: Most are caused by a tumor in or around the pituitary gland. Several conditions can affect your pituitary gland. It also stimulates contractions of the uterus during labor. This hormone stimulates the release of breast milk. It helps your body conserve water and prevent dehydration. This is also called antidiuretic hormone. Hormones stored in the posterior lobe include: These hormones are usually produced in your hypothalamus and stored in the posterior lobe until they’re released. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland also secretes hormones. This hormone helps to stimulate increased pigmentation of your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Enkephalins are closely related to endorphins and have similar pain-relieving effects. Endorphins have pain-relieving properties and are thought to be connected to the “pleasure centers” of the brain. Prolactin helps women who are breastfeeding produce milk. Luteinizing hormone is involved in the production of estrogen in women and testosterone in men. It’s also important for sperm cell production in men. Follicle-stimulating hormone is involved with estrogen secretion and the growth of egg cells in women. This hormone stimulates your adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones. Your thyroid gland and the hormones it produces are crucial for metabolism. This hormone activates your thyroid to release thyroid hormones. Its primary targets are bones and muscles. It can stimulate growth in almost all of your tissues. Growth hormone regulates growth and physical development.

The anterior lobe of your pituitary gland is made up of several different types of cells that produce and release different types of hormones, including: The pituitary gland can be divided into two different parts: the anterior and posterior lobes. It controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. It’s very important in controlling the balance of your bodily functions. The hypothalamus is a small area of your brain. It’s attached to the hypothalamus by a stalklike structure. It’s located behind your nose, near the underside of your brain. The pituitary gland is small and oval-shaped.

Kidney with adrenal gland labeled