The pituitary gland (or pituitary gland) is one of the most important glands in the body because it is responsible for the secretion and regulation of different hormones. When it works properly, you feel better and are full of energy. To find out if it is working properly, go to your doctor. In case she needs to be stimulated, she may recommend hormone therapy or something simpler, like some dietary changes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: See Your Doctor
Step 1. Contact your doctor
If you suspect a pituitary problem, a doctor's office should be the first stop. You can go to your GP or see an endocrinologist, an endocrine system specialist (who is responsible for producing hormones). He will likely start by ordering blood tests to assess how well the glands are functioning.
After your first visit, she may recommend more in-depth diagnostic tests, such as an MRI
Step 2. Treat any underlying disease
It is possible that the pituitary gland is not functioning properly because it is involved in some pathological process. Your doctor will likely consider this during your visit. For example, Cushing's disease is caused by the growth of a tumor affecting the pituitary gland, undermining its function and it is almost impossible to solve the problem without medical treatment.
Step 3. Follow hormone replacement therapy
Since the pituitary gland regulates the production of hormones through all endocrine glands, the doctor will first need to determine which hormones are compromised. Then he will be able to prescribe a drug that intervenes to regulate the imbalance. It can be in the form of tablets, liquid, injections, patches or gels.
- For example, if you have an imbalance in your thyroid-stimulating hormones, they may prescribe thyroxine tablets to be taken once a day.
- Keep in mind that generally, when you start HRT, you have to follow it for the rest of your life.
Step 4. Undergo a tumor removal surgery
If your doctor believes that a tumor has formed on or near the pituitary gland, he will order imaging and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. He will work with an endocrinologist and possibly an ophthalmologist to organize a surgery. He will then make a small incision in the nose to remove the tumor. If the operation is successful, the gland will fully recover.
In most cases, pituitary tumors are not cancerous if treated promptly. However, they can impair the functioning of the body by putting pressure on the pituitary gland or by releasing hormones on their own
Step 5. Undergo radiation therapy
To get rid of any post-operative tumor residue or if surgery is not contemplated for the stage of the cancer, your doctor may suggest a course of radiation treatment, called radiotherapy. The goal is to break up the tumor with ionizing radiation beams. Once completed, you will likely need to undergo hormone replacement therapy.
Step 6. Schedule follow-up visits
With or without surgery and regardless of whether you have cancer, your doctor will want to monitor your condition for a few months with blood tests after diagnosis. They may also order additional tests, including x-rays or eye tests. If you go all the way through, the likelihood that the treatment will be effective will be considerably higher.
Check-ups are even more important if you have pituitary disease or are planning a pregnancy
Step 7. Do not follow scientifically unsubstantiated tips or treatments
If you are looking for a way to stimulate the functioning of the pituitary, you will probably come across a lot of pseudo-scientific notions. Before you take the time and effort to make any changes, check that the information you have found is not just personal opinions, but that it comes from recognized studies.
For example, some people may claim to have discovered how the pituitary gland "decalcifies" even though there is no medical evidence
Step 8. Take no initiative
Remember that it is not always wise to try to regulate hormonal balance. Hence, the idea of stimulating the pituitary could actually create misunderstandings if taken literally. This gland needs to produce the right amount of hormones, no more, no less. Be sure to check with your doctor before following any hormone rebalancing program, even if it is a modest one.
Part 2 of 3: Making Changes to Your Diet
Step 1. Reduce your sugar intake
To make your pituitary gland function properly, eliminate sugar-rich foods from your diet. Go for fresh, natural products instead of processed ones. Read the nutrition tables carefully and look for sugars hidden under unusual names, such as corn fructose. The pituitary gland regulates the production of somatotropin, the growth hormone (GH). A high intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates leads to an insulin spike which impairs GH production and causes inflammation of the nervous system.
- Watch out for hidden sugar-rich foods, such as yogurt, breakfast cereals, granola bars, and flavored drinks.
- Look for other ways to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor. For example, instead of fizzy drinks, opt for water with a few slices of lemon.
Step 2. Increase your protein intake as needed
Protein intake should account for 10-35% of total daily calories. Calculate your needs to see if you need to eat more lean meat, nuts, eggs and fish. The body breaks down meat into amino acids, which the pituitary gland uses as fuel to make hormones. As with any other dietary changes, be sure to check with your doctor before starting.
An increase in protein intake can create problems for people with kidney disease. In these cases, you need to contact your doctor first
Step 3. Don't overeat with food before bed
During sleep, the pituitary gland works at full capacity and releases a high amount of hormones that are useful to the body. Thus, by avoiding large meals, especially those rich in carbohydrates, two hours before bedtime, you can keep your insulin levels constant. By following these tips, you will allow the pituitary gland to do its job properly.
A frugal dinner before bed can help balance hormones in some people
Step 4. Increase your intake of vitamins D, E and A
Try purchasing a quality multivitamin that contains these and other substances. However, your best bet is to get more vitamin-rich foods, including salmon or peppers, into your diet. They will help you stimulate hormone production by eliminating free radicals and substances harmful to the glands.
To assimilate vitamin D, eat tuna and grains. To get vitamin E, consume spinach and almonds. To get vitamin A, choose carrots and green leafy vegetables
Step 5. Increase your manganese intake
Legumes and leafy vegetables offer a supply of manganese, readily usable by the body. Some of this mineral is destined for the bones, but the pituitary gland also assimilates it. Foods rich in manganese can preserve the proper functioning of the pituitary and provide it with important antioxidants.
Step 6. Try the herbs
Use milk thistle or artemisia in herbal teas or other drinks. Ginseng and alfalfa (alfalfa) also have beneficial effects on the pituitary gland. You can take these supplements in tablet form. Check with your doctor before you start taking them, especially if you are on drug therapy.
Part 3 of 3: Changing the Lifestyle
Step 1. Relax
When you are stressed, the body produces cortisol which, in excessive amounts, can disrupt the entire hormonal balance, damaging the pituitary and adrenal glands. Try taking a nice warm bath. Read a fun book. Be in the company of friends and family. Take a yoga class. Do whatever it takes to keep stress under control.
Step 2. Get enough sleep
Since the hormone secretion of the pituitary gland occurs mostly at night, it is essential that this gland has time to perform its function. Avoid consuming caffeine at the end of the day or looking at screens that emit blue light, such as your cell phone, before going to bed. Adults between the ages of 18 and 60 should sleep at least 7 hours every night, while children, adolescents and the elderly even more.
If you get enough sleep, your cortisol levels will also drop and your pituitary gland will be able to function properly
Step 3. Train at least three times a week
The increased heart rate allows the body to function more efficiently and balance hormone production. To get these benefits, you don't need to practice high intensity exercises, just increase your heart rate for 30 minutes, three times a week. So when you can, go up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
Step 4. Consider yoga
Some inverted postures, such as the wheel pose or Urdhva Dhanurasana, can have a positive impact because they improve the blood supply to the pituitary gland. Search the Internet for a tutorial for practicing some yoga poses or sign up for a class.
Be aware that inverted positions can be dangerous for some people, such as those with a heart attack. As always, consult your doctor before starting a yoga exercise program
Step 5. Maintain normal body weight
The extra pounds can compromise the functions of the pituitary gland, stimulating the production of certain hormones (for example GH) at the expense of others. So, by slimming down with the help of a healthy diet, you will help restore its balance. You can also consult a dietician.
