Hyperpituitarism and Fertility
The pituitary is a pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. This small gland produces hormones that regulate various bodily functions. When the pituitary gland overproduces hormones, the condition is called hyperpituitarism. This gland is important in producing hormones that regulate growth, blood pressure, metabolism, and sexual function. In terms of fertility, the pituitary regulates sexual function and reproduction.
Hyperpituitarism can cause symptoms of galactorrhea or prolactinoma, a noncancerous tumor on the pituitary gland. Prolactinoma results in high levels of the prolactin hormone. Galactorrhea is a condition in which high prolactin levels stimulate the breasts to produce milk in women who are not pregnant and not breastfeeding. This can occur spontaneously or when the breast nipples are squeezed.
Higher levels of prolactin can also lead to irregular periods. In some cases, the menstrual cycle will stop altogether. Reproductive dysfunctions can occur when normal estrogen and progesterone levels are interrupted, causing the ovaries to stop releasing eggs or to release eggs irregularly. Alternate hormone levels also affect the uterine lining, making it difficult for an embryo to implant.
