What Are Pituitary Hormones?
Pituitary hormones are a group of chemicals created in the pituitary gland and responsible for a host of different bodily functions. These hormones play vital roles in body systems such as the reproductive system, thyroid production and function, as well as helping control the body’s reaction to both common and extreme stress. The pituitary gland is near the base of the skull in the sella turcica, also known as the pituitary fossa. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the master gland because of the sheer number of physical functions — such as metabolism, growth, and maturation — controlled by pituitary hormones.
Pituitary hormones are a group of chemicals created in the pituitary gland and responsible for a host of different bodily functions. These hormones play vital roles in body systems such as the reproductive system, thyroid production and function, as well as helping control the body’s reaction to both common and extreme stress. The pituitary gland is near the base of the skull in the sella turcica, also known as the pituitary fossa. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the master gland because of the sheer number of physical functions — such as metabolism, growth, and maturation — controlled by pituitary hormones. Three hormones of the pituitary gland are vital in the female reproductive system, though other hormones produced affect both genders. Prolactin (PRL) is the hormone responsible for stimulating the secretion of breast milk in the days and months following childbirth. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by the pituitary gland are impo
