The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" of the body, since it regulates many activities of other endocrine glands. Located above the pituitary gland is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus decides which hormones the pituitary should release by sending it either hormonal or electrical messages.
In response to hormonal messages from the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases the following hormones:
GH (growth hormone) – increases size of muscle and bone
THS (thyroid stimulating hormone) – stimulates the thyroid gland to release T3 and T4 to stimulate metabolism in other cells throughout the body
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) – stimulates ovarian follicle production in women; stimulates sperm production in men
LH (luteinizing hormone) – stimulates ovaries to produce estrogen in women; stimulates sperm production in men
Prolactin – stimulates breast tissue in nursing mothers to produce milk
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - causes the adrenal glands to produce important substances that have properties similar to steroids
In response to electrical messages from the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases the following hormones:
ADH (antidiuretic hormone) - stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb fluid and produce less urine
Oxytocin – initiates labor, uterine contractions and milk ejection in mothers
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.