Symptoms of Pituitary Tumors

Many pituitary tumors do not cause symptoms. But larger tumors may pressure the brain or other structures and produce symptoms such as headaches or vision problems.

Pituitary tumors can also cause symptoms by producing (secreting) high levels of various hormones. Doctors call such tumors “functional,” with 4 main types:

• ACTH secreting tumors causing Cushings disease
• Growth hormone adenomas causing acromegaly
• Prolactinomas
• TSHomas

Symptoms of adenocorticotropic tumors
Adenocorticotropic tumors stimulate adrenal glands to produce the hormone cortisol and may cause Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing's Disease

Symptoms of adenocorticotropic tumors include:

• Accumulation of fat around the midsection and upper back
• Added roundness to the face
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Acne
• Weakening of the bones
• Increased bruising
• Increased anxiety, irritability, and depression

Symptoms of tumors that secrete growth hormones

Tumors that secrete growth hormones can cause symptoms that include:

• Coarse facial features
• Enlarged hands and feet
• Excess sweating
• High blood sugar
• Heart problems
• Joint pain
• Increased body hair

Symptoms of prolactinomas
The pituitary gland secretes a hormone called prolactin that activates the production of breast milk in pregnant women. Tumors that secrete excess prolactin can cause a decrease in production of sex hormones, leading to reduced estrogen in women and lower testosterone in men.

In women, symptoms may include:

• Irregular or missing periods
• Milky discharge from the breast

In men, symptoms may include:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Lowered sperm count
• Loss of sex drive
• Development of breasts

Symptoms of tumors that secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Some pituitary tumors produce a hormone that stimulates the thyroid. The change then triggers the thyroid to produce too much of its own hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of such tumors may include:

• Weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat