Understanding The Endocrine System: Pituitary Gland
The pituitary is the "master gland" that controls other glands in the body. This is the area that needs work if women are struggling with fertility. It is also important for a woman's hormonal cycle. It produces many important hormones related to growth, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing.
These Hormones Include:
- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Prolactin (PRL)
- Growth hormone (GH)
- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)
Basic Responsibilities:
- Control of other glands in the body
- Primary control of reproductive cycles
- Skin pigmentation
- Growth hormone production
Symptoms of Pituitary Weakness:
- Infertility is a major sign of poor pituitary function. Many fertility hormones are produced in the pituitary gland such as LH and FSH
- Poor adrenal function, low cortisol production, difficulty handling stress
- Thyroid disorders because TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is produced in the pituitary
- Failure to thrive, delayed growth and maturity, pituitary dwarfism is where the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones for normal development
- Chronic migraine headaches
- Menstrual irregularities
Important Lifestyle Factors:
- Prayer and quiet time must be a part of your life
- Getting to bed between 9-10pm at the latest. Sleep is crucial for pituitary and growth hormones
- Sunshine heals and stimulates the pituitary, especially sun in the eyes. Avoid sunglasses and sunscreens
- Light candles after dark, avoiding electronics as much as possible
- Light exercise, walking, connecting to God through nature
- Keep the head and sinus cavity clear of mucus and congestion
Nutrition Factors:
- Avoiding dairy, grains and sugars
- Choose fruit and ancient seed grains like quinoa, millet, amaranth, and buckwheat
- Healthy fats such as coconut, avocado, olives, nuts, seeds, and fish
- Nuts and seeds, especially those high in Vitamin E such as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Herbs & Supplements for the Pituitary:
- Dr. Morse - Healthy Pituitary: Great herbal formula to stimulate pituitary function
- Pines - Alfalfa: Super nutrient-dense superfood that nourishes the pituitary, great for pregnancy!
- Herbally Grounded - Restore: Great for hormone balancing in general and starting a cycle for women who are not having a regular menstrual cycle
- Biotics Research - PT/HPT: A glandular product we have used for years for hormones, migraines, and fertility
- Natural Sources - Raw Pituitary
- Cedar Bear - Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex): One of the best herbs for natural progesterone
- North American Herb and Spice - Purely -E: Vitamin E, also known as the fertility vitamin is very important to pituitary function
- Spirit of Health Lymph Cleanse
Learn About Other Glands in the Endocrine System:
If you think you might have hormone imbalance, then take our free hormone assessment and we'll send you the results plus a free 29-day hormone balancing guide.