What diseases can result from excessive pituitary secretion?
Sep 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland mainly include TSH, ACTH, gonadotropins, growth hormone, etc. However, excessive secretion of different hormones leads to different types of diseases. For example, excessive TSH secretion can cause central hyperthyroidism; excessive ACTH secretion can lead to Cushing's syndrome; and excessive gonadotropin secretion may result in polycystic ovary syndrome.
The pituitary gland secretes several key hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), gonadotropins, and growth hormone (GH). Excess secretion of each hormone leads to distinct clinical disorders—such as gigantism, Cushing’s syndrome, central hyperthyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
1. Excess TSH Secretion
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. Excessive TSH secretion results in central hyperthyroidism—a condition characterized by pituitary-driven overproduction of TSH, leading to goiter and elevated circulating thyroid hormone levels.
2. Excess ACTH Secretion
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulates cortisol production by the adrenal cortex. Chronic ACTH excess causes Cushing’s syndrome, a disorder resulting from prolonged glucocorticoid overproduction by the adrenal glands. Key clinical manifestations include moon facies, plethoric appearance, central obesity, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
3. Excess Gonadotropin Secretion
Excessive gonadotropin secretion disrupts sex hormone homeostasis. Sex hormones include estrogens and androgens; in women, hyperandrogenism—often secondary to elevated gonadotropins—may lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder affecting the reproductive system, characterized by menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, and infertility.
4. Excess Growth Hormone Secretion
In adolescents whose epiphyseal growth plates have already fused, excessive GH secretion causes gigantism. This endocrine disorder is marked by abnormally tall stature, coarse facial features, and thickened hands and feet.
