Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Pituitary hormones

1-minute read

The pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary acts as the body's “master gland”, as it sends hormone signals to other glands in the body to direct them what to do. These secondary endocrine glands include the thyroid and adrenal glands and the ovaries and testes, directing them to produce thyroid hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones.

These hormones affect metabolism, blood pressure, sexuality, reproduction and other vital body functions. The pituitary gland also produces growth hormone and prolactin for milk production.

Follow the links below to find trusted information about pituitary hormones.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2020


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Pituitary tumour - Better Health Channel

Generally, pituitary tumours are benign and slow growing, and pituitary cancers are extremely rare.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Growth Hormone Deficiency - Hormones Australia

Growth hormone deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone (GH). The range of symptoms can be treated through GH replacement.

Read more on Hormones Australia website

Pituitary Gland - Hormones Australia

What hormones are produced by the pituitary gland? The pituitary gland produces a range of hormones, including adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and prolactin.

Read more on Hormones Australia website

Growth hormone - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to get tested for growth hormone

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Growth hormone - Better Health Channel

Some athletes and bodybuilders wrongly believe that taking synthetic growth hormone will help build up their muscles.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Cushing’s Disease - Hormones Australia

Cushing's disease is caused by a tumour in the pituitary gland and is diagnosed using multiple tests. Treatment is most often surgery, although radiotherapy and medications are also sometimes needed.

Read more on Hormones Australia website

Hormonal (endocrine) system - Better Health Channel

Hormones can be thought of as chemical messages that communicate with the body and bring about changes.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to get tested for FSH

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Luteinising hormone (LH) - Pathology Tests Explained

Why and when to get tested for LH

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Hyperprolactinaemia - Hormones Australia

Hyperprolactinaemia refers to high levels of prolactin in the blood. Treatment of hyperprolactinemia depends on the cause, which will be diagnosed through testing.

Read more on Hormones Australia website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.