Other pituitary hormones

What are other hormones involved in pituitary disorders?

Abnormalities with other pituitary hormones can also lead to disease states. These include thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). 

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

TSH normally signals your thyroid to produce thyroid hormones that regulate your metabolism. If your pituitary is producing excess TSH this will cause hyperthyroidism [link above]. If it is not producing enough TSH this will cause hypothyroidism [link above]. Pituitary driven causes of thyroid disorders are rare in comparison to abnormalities caused by the thyroid gland itself. 

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

LH normally signals ovulation in women or the testes to produce testosterone in men. When LH becomes dysregulated (often in conjunction with FSH below), disruptions in menstruation, fertility and sexual function arise as a result.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

FSH normally signal a woman’s ovaries to produce estrogen and helps to mature the eggs for release during the monthly cycle. In men, FSH drives sperm production. When FSH becomes dysregulated (often in conjunction with LH above), disruptions in menstruation, fertility and sexual function arise.

Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

ADH, also known as vasopressin, normally functions to retain the body’s water and sodium levels by decreasing the amount of water and sodium lost in the urine. Diabetes insipidus (not the same a diabetes mellitus) results in increased thirst and urination when inadequate ADH is produced by the pituitary.