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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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

Truro October Support Group Meeting

21/10/2025

The South West Support Group are meeting in Truro, Cornwall.

Managing life changes, with Dr Sue Jackson

21/10/2025

Join us for an online event this Pituitary Awareness Month.

Q and A with Professor John Wass

28/10/2025

Join us for an online event this Pituitary Awareness Month.

York November Support Group Meeting

15/11/2025

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

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

LGBTQIA+ November Support Group Meeting

20/11/2025

The LGBTQIA+ support group are meeting for the first time!

Kent November Support Group Meeting

22/11/2025

Friendly and welcoming support group for people affected by pituitary conditions in Kent.

More events

News and updates

Someone holding a pill packet and nasal spray

Desmopressin shortage: October update

21st October 2025

Two people stand together holding up a square cardboard photo frame adorned with WAPO branding and colours. They are smiling through the square frame.

Learnings from WAPO's Global Summit

20th October 2025

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Managing mental health difficulties and a pituitary diagnosis

14th October 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.

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