The Pituitary Gland and Your Health

Why is the pituitary gland important?

 Why should you be concerned with the health of your pituitary gland?  After all, it’s only a small pea-shaped gland that weighs less than a gram.  Well, the pituitary gland which is often called the master gland is needed to perform many important functions.  It  produces and releases several hormones which are needed for very important functions to:

  • Manage growth
  • Manage the metabolism
  • Make reproduction possible
  • Manage labor, childbirth, and lactation
  • Manage responses to stress or trauma
  • Maintain a balance of water, heat and energy in the body
  • Maintain water and sodium levels
  • Help control the central nervous system
  • Help manage heartbeat, sleep, urination, thirst, and hunger

The pituitary is called the master gland, because it not only produces its own hormones, but it regulates the production of some of the hormones produced in other parts of the body, especially in the thyroid gland, in the adrenal glands, and in the reproductive system glands.  The pituitary works like the conductor of an orchestra keeping all of the players in the body playing together to produce a healthy, functioning body. The pituitary is located at the base of the brain below the hypothalamus, a gland that controls the body’s hormone system and the body’s basic functions.  The hypothalamus controls blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing by sending messages to the body’s autonomic nervous system.  The hypothalamus works together with the pituitary gland to function as the brain’s command center.

What are the symptoms of pituitary problems?

Problems with this small but powerful gland can be difficult to diagnose because it works with a variety of hormones.  The symptoms of a problem may seem to point to the pituitary, but they are actually symptoms of a problem elsewhere.  Diagnostic work is complex, and this is why anytime you are experiencing new issues with your body, you need to speak with a trained health care professional who will be able to order the proper diagnostic tests.  Some of the symptoms that might be related to your pituitary gland are:

  • Vision problems
  • Headaches
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Male or female infertility
  • Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Growth issues in children
  • Cushing’s disease

What are the best ways to keep my pituitary gland healthy and happy?

  • Eat the right foods. Stick with a healthy diet. Make healthy food choices.  Enjoy foods like avocados and hazelnuts which provide nutrients like Vitamin A and Vitamin E.   Avoid overprocessed foods and food additives.
  • Get plenty of Vitamin D. A deficiency in Vitamin D negatively affects the pituitary and can cause low ovary and testes functions.  Eat good natural sources of Vitamin D like fish, eggs, beef, cheese, and liver.  Use quality Vitamin D supplements.
  • Take antioxidants. Antioxidants, like Vitamin E protect the pituitary gland from oxidative damage.  Eat leafy, green vegetables which are high in Vitamin E.  Eat raw seeds and almonds which are great antioxidants.  Use plant oils, such as olive oil and flax seed oil.
  • Eat adequate amounts of lean protein. Protein is an essential nutrient that is needed for the pituitary to function properly.  Protein helps the pituitary produce and release human growth hormone or HGH.  HGH helps build muscle mass, helps increase the metabolism, helps reduce fat, increases libido and increases energy levels.
  • Get an adequate amount of manganese either through supplements or in your diet by eating foods, such as grains, nuts, and legumes.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight can upset the hormonal balance the body needs.  Exercise regularly.
  • Avoid sugar as much as possible. Too much refined sugar upsets the balance of insulin in the body and causes the pituitary to produce less HGH.
  • Make sure you are getting enough sleep every night. The pituitary works hardest at night when you are sleeping.

What else can I do to protect my pituitary gland?

The most common cause of damage to the pituitary gland comes from head injuries so it is important to protect your head. A damaged pituitary either releases an excess of hormones or it doesn’t release enough.  Some of best ways to protect your head and prevent debilitating injuries to the pituitary gland are:

  • Practice safe driving and always wear a seat belt.
  • Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle or playing contact sports.
  • Take steps to avoid falls by removing obstacles and hazards in your home.
  • Stay off your phone when you are a pedestrian.
  • Provide safe playing areas for children.
  • Include strength and balance exercise in your workout routines.

How Can Androgenix Help?

 If you want to live your best life, the medical practitioners at Androgenix are here to help. If you have any questions about your exercise plan, dietary plan, or needed supplements,  please contact us with your questions.   If you are undergoing new symptoms or issues with how your body is functioning,  or have any other concerns about any areas of your health, please contact our office and make an appointment with our staff to get a complete blood work-up and a complete physical examination. Our staff of caring healthcare practitioners are here to answer your questions and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.  You will be monitored by our team for treatment effectiveness and side effects of any recommended treatment on a regular basis.  Every person who enters our doors is treated as an individual deserving of care and respect.  We can help you feel and look better.   Our team at Androgenix is always here to support your journey to a better, healthier, and happier you.  Give us a call today.

 

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*Unless otherwise stated, individual results may vary depending on many factors not all patients “feel” or achieve the same results.