What Are the Different Pituitary Adenoma Symptoms?

Pituitary adenoma symptoms can include headaches, vision loss, fatigue, and changes related to sex hormones. These tumors are usually benign, growing very slowly in and around the pituitary gland, and the treatment options vary depending on the specifics of the case. Patients who notice pituitary adenoma symptoms should consult a physician for an evaluation to learn more and determine whether the symptoms are indicative of a malignancy.

Adenomas on the pituitary gland can be functioning or nonfunctioning. A functioning pituitary adenoma alters hormone production by overproducing some hormones or suppressing production of others. Nonfunctioning growths may change the gland's function by pressuring it as they grow, but they do not actively interfere with hormone production. Pituitary adenomas can onset at any age, including in childhood, where they may interrupt puberty and slow the development of secondary sexual characteristics like breasts and pubic hair.

Common pituitary adenoma symptoms involve issues like changed fat and body hair distribution, infertility, delayed sexual development, and decreased libido. Women may notice declines in breast-milk production if they are feeding infants. Headaches, vomiting, fatigue, vision changes, dizziness, and low blood pressure are also pituitary adenoma symptoms. Weight gain or loss can occur and may be complicated by appetite changes like lack of interest in former favorite foods or consistent hunger even while eating a balanced diet.

A doctor can conduct an interview to collect a list of the symptoms and check on things like the extent of vision loss or weight changes. Usually a medical imaging study is part of the evaluation of a patient with pituitary adenoma symptoms, to see if it is possible to identify a growth on the pituitary gland. The doctor can also order a blood test to check on hormone levels and determine if they are out of balance. Treatments can include surgery, medications, and hormone supplementation or suppression to address the patient's hormone levels.

Pituitary adenoma symptoms sometimes onset slowly, as these tumors have a slow rate of growth. Gradual changes over time are often hard for individual patients to notice, as they adjust to them without realizing it. Friends and family who notice a marked change over time should bring it up and suggest a visit to the doctor for evaluation. Low energy levels and frequent sickness can be warning signs that patients might not recognize when they happen very slowly, and they should notice substantial differences with treatment.