What do pituitary hormones do?
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Dr. Joshua Bederson of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland makes the following hormones:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which causes the thyroid gland to produce two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which help control the body's metabolism.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which control the production of testosterone, estrogen, sperm, and egg maturation and release.
- Growth hormone (GH), which is a major participant in control of several complex physiologic processes, including growth and metabolism.
- Prolactin, which stimulates the production of breast milk and is necessary for normal milk production during breastfeeding.
- The posterior pituitary lobe releases two hormones that are produced in the hypothalamus:
- Oxytocin, which is responsible for stimulation of milk ejection (milk letdown) and for stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction at birth.
- Vasopressin (ADH), which is the primary regulator of body water.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThe anterior lobe of the pituitary gland makes the following hormones: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which causes the thyroid gland to produce two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which... More -
Dr. Jack Merendino answered:The pituitary gland is divided into two parts or "lobes", anterior and posterior. Each of these makes several hormones. These are the most important pituitary hormones, though there are others:
The anterior pituitary makes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is the major regulator of thyroid function. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulate the function of the ovaries in women and the testes in men, allowing for normal production of sex hormone such as testosterone and estrogen, and for the production of eggs and sperm. Growth hormone (GH) promotes the growth of all body tissues and is especially essential in allowing one to attain a normal adult height. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates the adrenal glands. Prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for breast milk production.
In the posterior pituitary, there are two major hormones: vasopressin and oxytocin. Vasopressin is essential for the regulation of the body's water balance. Oxytocin is critical during childbirth when it promotes contraction of the uterus and appears to promote behavior and emotions allowing a mother to bond to her child.
Pituitary problems may result in over-production or under-production of these hormones with resulting symptoms specific to the hormone or hormones involved.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThe pituitary gland is divided into two parts or "lobes", anterior and posterior. Each of these makes several hormones. These are the most important pituitary hormones, though there are others: The anterior pituitary makes... More
