Supporting everyone in the pituitary community, every step of the way.

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The Basics

New to pituitary or not sure where to start? We'll explain what the pituitary gland is and take you through the first things you need to know.

What is the Pituitary Gland?

The pituitary gland secretes hormones which carry messages around the body via the bloodstream. It controls several hormone glands in the body, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, so is often described as the master gland.

Emergency Info for AI and AVP-D (DI)

In case of emergency you should call 999. This page outlines the sick day rules and other emergency information for both adrenal insufficiency and AVP deficiency (previously diabetes insipidus).

Causes of Pituitary Conditions

There are a range of causes for pituitary conditions, the most common being a non-cancerous tumour. Other causes include traumatic brain injury.

What are Hormones?

Hormones are chemicals which circulate in the blood stream and spread around the body to carry messages or signals to different parts of the body.

Major Endocrine Glands and Other Organs

There are a number of endocrine glands across the body which work together to secrete hormones. There are also several organs that contain endocrine tissue.

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Our Impact

Our vision is that all people with pituitary conditions live well, now and in the future. We work with everyone with a pituitary condition, their support networks and healthcare professionals to raise pituitary awareness and reduce time to diagnosis.

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Our Story Become a Member

Your Stories

Nadine’s story: Living with a physical disability and Cushing’s disease

Steven’ story: A Cushing’s diagnosis after unexplained weight gain

Serena’s story: Surgery for prolactinoma

Living With a Pituitary Condition Tell your story

Join an event

Coventry October Support Group Meeting

11/10/2025

Friendly support group for people in the Coventry area.

Pregnancy and pituitary conditions, with Dr Rebecca Scott

13/10/2025

Join us for an online event this Pituitary Awareness Month.

Taunton/Yeovil October Support Group Meeting

14/10/2025

The South West Support Group are meeting in South Petherton, Somerset.

Welcome Event October

15/10/2025

Join our quarterly zoom session where we will welcome you to The Pituitary Foundation. They’ll be an opportunity to learn more about the charity and the services that we can offer you.

Salisbury October Support Group Meeting

18/10/2025

A friendly support group in the Salisbury area.

Sussex October support group meeting

18/10/2025

Friendly support group for those affected by pituitary conditions in the Sussex area.

More events

News and updates

A laptop placed on a table, with a person's hand on the mouse pad. The person is also holding a cup of tea in their other hand

Cushing's symptoms survey opportunity

3rd October 2025

A woman outside on a sunny day, wearing glasses and a scarf

What life looks like now that I've stopped working

24th September 2025

A person wearing a red jumper and smiling at the camera

Launching a new LGBTQIA+ support group

18th September 2025

More news and updates

A person wearing a lab coat and blue latex gloves is holding a set of test tubes

We’re pushing for action on the desmopressin nasal spray shortage.

In response to wide-spread concern from our community about the effects of the desmopressin nasal spray shortage, we reached out to the Secretary of State for Health and Care, Wes Streeting, to push for action on this issue.

Find out more