Pituitary Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Medications That Help

When something goes wrong with the pituitary gland, a small, pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that controls major hormones. Also known as the master gland, it tells your body when to release cortisol, thyroid hormone, estrogen, testosterone, and more. A pituitary tumor, a non-cancerous growth on this gland can throw all of that off—leading to fatigue, weight changes, vision problems, or even infertility.

Pituitary tumors don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, it’s usually because they’re either squeezing nearby nerves or making too much—or too little—of a hormone. Some tumors produce excess prolactin, which can cause breast milk production in people who aren’t pregnant. Others overproduce growth hormone, leading to enlarged hands or facial bones. Then there are tumors that don’t make hormones at all, but still press on the optic nerve and blur vision. These are endocrine disorders, conditions where hormone levels go haywire due to gland dysfunction, and they often need more than just surgery to fix.

Treatment depends on the type and size of the tumor. For prolactin-secreting tumors, drugs like cabergoline or bromocriptine often shrink the growth and restore normal hormone levels. If the tumor is too big or doesn’t respond to pills, surgery or radiation might be needed. But even after treatment, many people need lifelong hormone replacement—like thyroid pills or cortisol—to keep their body running right. And because these tumors affect so many systems, managing them often means working with endocrinologists, neurologists, and sometimes even fertility specialists.

You won’t find a cure-all for pituitary tumors, but you can find control. Whether you’re dealing with unexplained weight gain, headaches that won’t quit, or a sudden drop in energy, it’s worth asking if your pituitary gland is involved. The right diagnosis can turn confusing symptoms into a clear plan. Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been there—on medication safety, hormone interactions, and how to talk to your doctor when things don’t add up.