Many people only learn about the pituitary gland when they start having health issues. You may be referred if your blood tests show hormone imbalances or if you have symptoms that do not seem related, like ongoing tiredness, unexplained weight changes, headaches, vision changes, or irregular periods.
At King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, our endocrinologists diagnose and treat pituitary gland disorders through KIDEO, the King’s Institute of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity. Since the pituitary controls many hormones, even a minor issue can affect several organs. Identifying the cause is usually the first step to helping you feel better.
What is the pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain and helps coordinate many of the body’s hormones. It communicates with organs such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testicles to regulate growth, metabolism, fertility, stress, and other essential functions.
If the pituitary makes too much or too little of certain hormones, symptoms can appear slowly and may affect different parts of the body at once.
When should you see an endocrinologist?
Pituitary disorders are often hard to spot because they usually cause more than one symptom. Some people are referred after an unusual hormone test, while others notice symptoms that develop slowly over months or years.
An assessment may be helpful if you have:
- Persistent headaches together with changes in your vision
- Unexplained fatigue, weakness, or reduced energy
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or fertility concerns
- Unexpected weight gain or weight loss without a clear reason
- Milk production when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Noticeable changes in facial appearance, hand size, or shoe size
- Several hormone problems affecting different parts of the body
Many of these symptoms can have other causes, but it is important to get them checked if they do not go away.
Which pituitary disorders do we treat?
Pituitary tumors
Most pituitary tumors are not cancer, but they can still cause problems by making too many hormones or pressing on nearby areas like the optic nerves. Some tumors do not make hormones and are only found because they cause headaches, vision issues, or lower pituitary function.
Hypopituitarism
Sometimes the pituitary gland does not make enough hormones. Depending on which hormones are low, this can cause tiredness, weight changes, infertility, low blood pressure, reduced sex drive, or other symptoms that appear slowly over time.
Prolactin disorders
High prolactin levels can cause irregular periods, infertility, milk production when not pregnant, or lower testosterone in men. In many cases, doctors can find and treat the cause successfully.
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is when the pituitary makes too much of the growth hormone in adults. People may notice slow changes like bigger hands or feet, changes in facial features, joint pain, or sweating more than usual.
Cushing’s disease
Some pituitary tumors make too much ACTH, which causes the adrenal glands to produce extra cortisol. This can lead to weight gain around the stomach, high blood pressure, diabetes, weak muscles, or easy bruising.
How are pituitary disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosing a pituitary disorder usually takes more than one test. Your endocrinologist will look at your symptoms, medical history, exam results, and hormone levels before deciding if more tests are needed.
Your assessment may include:
- A detailed review of your symptoms and medical history.
- Blood tests to measure pituitary hormones and the glands they control.
- An MRI scan of the pituitary gland if a structural problem is suspected.
- Visual field testing when headaches or changes in vision suggest pressure on the optic nerves.
- Additional hormone testing where appropriate.
How are pituitary disorders treated?
Treatment depends on the specific problem. Some disorders are treated with medicine to balance hormones or lower extra hormone production. Others need hormone replacement if the pituitary is not making enough hormones.
If a pituitary tumor is pressing on nearby areas or making too many hormones, surgery might be needed. When this happens, our endocrinologists work closely with neurosurgeons, radiologists, eye doctors, and other specialists to coordinate your care.
Who are the best doctors for pituitary disorders in Dubai?
The best doctors for pituitary disorders in Dubai are Dr. Emran Ghaffar Khan, Dr. Sakina Koubeh, Dr. Momin Kamal Shah, Dr. Hammad Bajwa, Dr. Muhammad Owais Murtaza, Dr. Jawad Bashir, and Dr. Mohammad Sadiq Jeeyavudeen at King’s College Hospital Dubai.
Our endocrinologists treat many pituitary conditions, such as hormone deficiencies, pituitary tumors, prolactin disorders, acromegaly, and Cushing’s disease. If you need extra specialist care, they work with neurosurgeons, eye doctors, and other teams to create the best treatment plan for you.
Why choose King’s College Hospital Dubai?
Pituitary disorders often affect several hormones, so they do not usually fit into just one medical specialty. Our endocrinologists look at your whole health, considering how hormone changes connect to your symptoms instead of treating each issue on its own.
When needed, your care is coordinated with neurosurgeons, radiologists, eye doctors, reproductive medicine, and other specialists. This way, you get complete support during diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up.
How can I book an appointment?
To book an appointment with our endocrinology team, call 800 7777, complete the online appointment request form, or book through the KingsHub app.
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Faqs
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King’s College Hospital Dubai is the best hospital for pituitary disorders in Dubai. Our endocrinologists diagnose and treat a wide range of pituitary conditions using advanced hormone testing, imaging, and multidisciplinary care when needed.
The best doctors for pituitary disorders in Dubai are Dr. Emran Ghaffar Khan, Dr. Sakina Koubeh, Dr. Momin Kamal Shah, Dr. Hammad Bajwa, Dr. Muhammad Owais Murtaza, Dr. Jawad Bashir, and Dr. Mohammad Sadiq Jeeyavudeen at King’s College Hospital Dubai.
No. In fact, most pituitary tumors are not cancer. Many are slow-growing and never spread to other parts of the body. They may still need treatment if they affect hormone production or become large enough to press on nearby structures.
It can. The pituitary gland sits just below the optic nerves, so a larger pituitary tumor can sometimes affect your eyesight. You may notice blurred vision, difficulty seeing to the sides, or other changes, which is why new or worsening vision symptoms should always be assessed by a doctor.
No. Many pituitary disorders are treated successfully with medication or hormone replacement. Surgery is usually considered when a tumor is causing pressure on surrounding structures, producing excess hormones, or cannot be managed effectively with medication alone.
Yes. The pituitary gland helps regulate the hormones that control ovulation and sperm production, so a pituitary disorder can sometimes make it more difficult to conceive. The good news is that many hormone-related fertility problems improve once the underlying condition is identified and treated.
That depends on the type of pituitary disorder you have and the treatment you receive. Some people only need monitoring for a short time, while others benefit from regular hormone checks over the long term to make sure treatment continues to work as expected.
No. The symptoms depend on which hormones are affected and whether the pituitary is producing too much hormone, too little hormone, or has developed a tumor. Some people experience only mild symptoms, while others develop changes affecting several body systems over time.
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