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

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.

2500+

support enquiries answered

2300

members in our network

92%

of attendees rated our events good or excellent

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

Join an event

Exeter September support group meeting

16/09/2025

Join us for our support group meeting in Exeter.

Research and pituitary conditions, with Professor Stafford Lightman

18/09/2025

Join us for a great opportunity to learn more about ongoing research with Professor Stafford Lightman

Guildford and Surrey September support group meeting

20/09/2025

Friendly support for anyone affected by pituitary conditions in the Surrey area.

Edinburgh September support group meeting

23/09/2025

An informal get-together for everyone affected by pituitary conditions in the Edinburgh area.

Solent & Isle of Wight September Support Group Meeting – Cancelled

27/09/2025

Find out more about why this meeting was cancelled, and what event is replacing it.

Southampton Get-Together

27/09/2025

Join us at the Southampton Get-Together September 2025, an opportunity to hear from medical experts and meet others affected by pituitary conditions!

News and updates

Defying expectations and shaping your own experience: Aleha's story

9th September 2025

What we've learnt from parenting a child with a pituitary condition

9th September 2025
Two people at work in a warehouse having a conversation

Returning to work: What you need to know

4th September 2025
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