Pituitary Adenomas
Make an AppointmentWhat Are Pituitary Adenomas?
Pituitary adenomas are noncancerous (benign) tumors that occur in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate important body functions. While most pituitary adenomas are benign and slow-growing, they can affect hormone levels and cause a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms of Pituitary Adenomas
Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and which hormones are affected. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Vision problems (often from pressure on the optic nerves), including loss of side vision or blurry vision
- Hormone-related conditions:
- Cushing’s disease (excess cortisol)
- Acromegaly (excess growth hormone)
- Prolactinoma (excess prolactin)
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Irregular menstrual periods or erectile dysfunction.
Causes
The exact cause is often unknown. Factors linked to a higher likelihood include:
- Genetic syndromes (rare): e.g., MEN1, Carney complex, AIP mutation–related familial isolated pituitary adenomas
- Prior head irradiation (rare, delayed risk)
- Most cases are sporadic and not inherited or preventable
If you have a family history of endocrine tumors, an endocrinologist can advise whether genetic counseling/testing is appropriate.
When to Seek Medical Advice
- New/worsening headaches or vision changes
- Unexplained menstrual irregularity, infertility, low libido, erectile dysfunction
- Signs of Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, or symptoms suggestive of a prolactinoma
- Symptoms of sudden severe headache with vision loss (possible pituitary apoplexy): seek urgent care or go to the nearest Emergency Department
At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), our multidisciplinary team led by experienced endocrinologists and skull base neurosurgeons provides comprehensive care for pituitary adenomas with state-of-the-art MRI, targeted hormone testing, and tailored treatments. Call or book your appointment today to clarify your symptoms, confirm your diagnosis, and choose the best plan for you.