To better understand hyperpituitarism, it helps to understand the anatomy of the pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland that is located at the base of the brain. It is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk. The hypothalamus controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.

Pituitary hormones include:

• Growth hormone:
• Stimulates growth
• Thyroid stimulating hormone:
• Stimulates the thyroid gland
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone:
• Stimulates the adrenal glands
• Prolactin:
• Stimulates breast tissue to produce milk