The pituitary gland is a small gland located beneath the brain. The pituitary gland produces substances (hormones) that enter the bloodstream and help control many processes of the body.
Hormones produced in the pituitary gland help manage these body functions:
- Growth
- Blood pressure
- Some aspects of pregnancy
- Breast milk production
- Sex organ functions in both women and men
- Thyroid gland function
- The conversion of food into energy (metabolism)
- Water balance in the body
Current as of:
May 12, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology