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
Last Updated:
June 19, 2008
Author:
Sandy Jocoy, RN
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology