Symptoms, diagnosis and tests

Advice on getting a pituitary diagnosis

As pituitary conditions are considered rare; your GP may not have come across another person impacted by a pituitary condition. They may investigate more common conditions before considering pituitary. The suggestions given below could be helpful for you when approaching your GP.

AVP Deficiency (diabetes insipidus) diagnosis

AVP Deficiency, also known as Diabetes insipidus (DI) is caused by a problem with either the production, or action, of the hormone vasopressin (AVP). If you have AVP Deficiency your kidneys are unable to retain water.

AVP Deficiency Symptoms

AVP Deficiency, also known as Diabetes insipidus (DI) is caused by a problem with either the production, or action, of the hormone vasopressin (AVP). If you have AVP Deficiency your kidneys are unable to retain water.

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.

Diagnosis of Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results from too much Growth Hormone in the body. It can cause parts of the body to grow abnormally.

Diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease

Cushing's disease is a condition caused by having too much of a hormone called cortisol in your body. Due to the range of symptoms that occur over a long time period it can be difficult to diagnose Cushing’s.

Diagnosis of prolactinoma

A prolactinoma is a prolactin-producing tumour of the pituitary gland. Diagnosis is straightforward and consists of blood test and scans.

Symptoms of Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results from too much Growth Hormone in the body. It can cause parts of the body to grow abnormally.

Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease

Cushing's disease is a condition caused by having too much of a hormone called cortisol in your body. There are a wide range of varied symptoms for Cushing’s Disease, and usually several are present at once.

Symptoms of pituitary conditions

There are several symptoms associated with pituitary conditions. These can relate to different pituitary conditions and people will not display all of these symptoms, only the ones relevant to their particular condition.

Symptoms of prolactinoma

A prolactinoma is a prolactin-producing tumour of the pituitary gland. The symptoms produced by a prolactinoma depend on the sex of the patient and the size of the tumour.

Tests for pituitary conditions

There are a number of tests that may be required if you are looking for a diagnosis for a pituitary condition. Initially your GP may perform a blood test, and then you’ll be referred to an endocrinologists if the results are abnormal.

Treatment for a Prolactinoma

A prolactinoma is a prolactin-producing tumour of the pituitary gland. Most prolactinoma’s can be treated by tablets, but sometimes other treatment methods are necessary.

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