Supporting everyone in the pituitary community, every step of the way.

The Basics

New to pituitary or not sure where to start? We'll explain what the pituitary gland is and take you through the first things you need to know.

What is the Pituitary Gland?
The pituitary gland secretes hormones which carry messages around the body via the bloodstream. It controls several hormone glands in the body, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, so is often described as the master gland.
Emergency Info for AI and AVP-D (DI)
In case of emergency you should call 999. This page outlines the sick day rules and other emergency information for both Adrenal Insufficiency and AVP Deficiency (Diabetes Insipidus).
Causes of Pituitary Conditions
There are a range of causes for pituitary conditions, the most common being a non-cancerous tumour. Other causes include traumatic brain injury.
What are Hormones?
Hormones are chemicals which circulate in the blood stream and spread around the body to carry messages or signals to different parts of the body.
Major Endocrine Glands and Other Organs
There are a number of endocrine glands across the body which work together to secrete hormones. There are also several organs that contain endocrine tissue.
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Our Impact

Our vision is that all people with pituitary conditions live well, now and in the future. We work with everyone with a pituitary condition, their support networks and healthcare professionals to raise pituitary awareness and reduce time to diagnosis.

2500+

support enquiries answered

2300

members in our network

92%

of attendees rated our events good or excellent

Your Stories

Nadine’s story: Living with a physical disability and Cushing’s disease

Steven’ story: A Cushing’s diagnosis after unexplained weight gain

Serena’s story: Surgery for prolactinoma

Join an event

Birmingham May Pituitary Patient Open Morning

17/05/2025

The Birmingham support group is attending the Pituitary Patient Open Morning at QEHB.

Abseil Anfield Stadium 2025

17/05/2025

Descend 100ft down the side of the Anfield Stadium - Home of the Liverpool FC.

York May Support Group Meeting

17/05/2025

Friendly support for anyone affected by pituitary conditions in the York area.

Great Manchester Run Half Marathon

18/05/2025

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is the city’s original and best-loved running event – over 99% of runners say they’d recommend it to a friend.

Man standing in front of a powerpoint presentation

Annual General Meeting

20/05/2025

Every year we hold our AGM, where members can come along and gather insight on what we have been up to as a charity. If you are a member, you have the opportunity to vote on important matters.

Tour of Pembrokeshire – Epic 105 miler

24/05/2025

Commencing in the city of St David’s, this event will showcase some of the most remarkable aspects of Pembrokeshire, including its rugged coastline, serene country lanes, and the magnificent Preseli Hills.

News and updates

Factors influencing self-management of adrenal crises in patients with adrenal insufficiency: A qualitative study

28th April 2025
A cartoon speakerphone on a teal background

We're pushing for action on the desmo nasal spray shortage

14th April 2025
A photo of the CoMICs logo, showing a cartoon speech bubble with 'CoMICs' written in red

Watch our new Cushing's awareness video!

7th April 2025
A person wearing a lab coat and blue latex gloves is holding a set of test tubes
We’re pushing for action on the desmopressin nasal spray shortage.

In response to wide-spread concern from our community about the effects of the desmopressin nasal spray shortage, we reached out to the Secretary of State for Health and Care, Wes Streeting, to push for action on this issue.

Find out more