HYPERPITUITARISM Meaning and
Definition
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Hyperpituitarism, also known as hypersecretion of pituitary hormones, is a medical condition characterized by the excessive production and release of hormones from the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. This gland is responsible for producing and regulating various hormones that control important bodily functions.
The term hyperpituitarism can refer to the overproduction of any specific hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, such as growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). The excessive secretion of these hormones can disrupt the normal balance and functioning of the endocrine system.
Hyperpituitarism can lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on the specific hormone involved. These symptoms may include abnormal growth patterns, gigantism (excessive height in children), acromegaly (abnormal growth of hands, feet, and face), gigantomastia (abnormal enlargement of breasts), weight gain, infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, impotence, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, and excessive thirst and urination.
The most common cause of hyperpituitarism is the presence of a benign (noncancerous) tumor, called an adenoma, in the pituitary gland. Other potential causes include pituitary inflammation, genetic disorders, head trauma, or certain medications. Treatment options for hyperpituitarism depend on the specific hormone involved and may include medication, radiation therapy, and in some cases, surgery to remove the tumor. Regular monitoring and management are necessary to prevent complications and maintain hormone balance.
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A condition due to overactivity of the hypophysis cerebri, at least of its anterior lobe, marked by acromegaly and hypertrichosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPERPITUITARISM
- gyperpituitarism
- byperpituitarism
- nyperpituitarism
- jyperpituitarism
- uyperpituitarism
- yyperpituitarism
- htperpituitarism
- hgperpituitarism
- hhperpituitarism
- huperpituitarism
- h7perpituitarism
- h6perpituitarism
- hyoerpituitarism
- hylerpituitarism
- hy-erpituitarism
- hy0erpituitarism
- hypwrpituitarism
- hypsrpituitarism
- hypdrpituitarism
Etymology of HYPERPITUITARISM
The word "hyperpituitarism" is derived from the combination of two root words - "hyper" and "pituitarism".
1. "Hyper": Derived from the Greek word "hyper" (ὑπέρ), which means "over" or "excessive".
2. "Pituitarism": Referring to the medical condition and abnormalities related to the pituitary gland. This term is derived from the Latin word "pituita", which means "phlegm" or "slime" (referring to the nasal secretions), as ancient physicians believed the pituitary gland produced these secretions.
When combined, "hyperpituitarism" describes a condition characterized by excessive secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland.
Similar spelling word for HYPERPITUITARISM
