Cushing's Info

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull, just behind the bridge of the nose, is about the size of a pea. It is an important link between the nervous system and the endocrine system and releases many hormones which affect growth, sexual development, metabolism and the system of reproduction.

Because the pituitary controls the function of most other endocrine oval gland at the base of the brain, in the fossa (depression) of the sphenoid bone,which produces a number of different hormones . It oversees hormone production by the sex glands (the ovaries, in women), adrenal glands, and thyroid gland. Pituitary disorders (such as tumors) can cause amenorrhea -- and, thus, be mistaken for early menopause.

The overall role is to regulate growth and metabolism. The gland is divided into the posterior and anterior pituitary, each responsible for the production of it's own unique hormones.

The pituitary gland makes hormones that affect the growth and the functions of other glands in the body and secretes hormones controlling ovulation. An image of the pituitary gland.

The pituitary secrets several hormones which are as follows:

• Prolactin
• TSH ( thyroid stimulating hormone)
• FSH ( Follicle stimulating hormone)
• LH ( luteinizing hormone)
• ACTH ( adrenocorticotropic hormone)
• ADH ( antidiuretic hormone)

Published at http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm

Cushing’s Syndrome

On this page:

• What is Cushing’s syndrome?
• What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?
• What causes Cushing’s syndrome?
• How is Cushing’s syndrome diagnosed?
• How is Cushing’s syndrome treated?
• Points to Remember
• Hope through Research
• For More Information

What is Cushing’s syndrome?

Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Sometimes called hypercortisolism, Cushing’s syndrome is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50. People who are obese and have type 2 diabetes, along with poorly controlled blood glucose—also called blood sugar—and high blood pressure, have an increased risk of developing the disorder.

Shop through http://www.iGive.com/cushings 

Use iGive.com when you buy things online; buy books using the links on the book pages; tshirts and such from the giftstore. Then WEAR those tshirts!