I'm dedicating a blog to my newest research interest...the pituitary gland! Jameson's most recent MRI showed that his is underdeveloped so we are now adding Endocrinology to our list of specialists and mom is spending her nights researching hormones!! :-P
The pituitary gland is a tiny organ, the size of a pea, found at the base of the brain. As the “master gland” of the body, it produces many hormones that travel throughout the body, directing certain processes or stimulating (causing) other glands to produce other hormones. There are two parts of the pituitary gland, the anterior (front part) and the posterior (back part). Jameson's is underdeveloped in the anterior part.
There are a number of hormones that are produced in the pituitary gland but these three are the ones we're most concerned about for little man:
Growth hormone (GH) - GH stimulates growth in childhood and is important for maintaining a healthy body composition and bone strength.
Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) - ACTH stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps maintain blood pressure and blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) - TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's metabolism, energy balance, growth, and nervous system activity.
While these hormones may seem super important, and they are, we are lucky that little man has never showed any major issues with them. (hence why we never tested before this MRI) Obviously his growth has been an issue, but he's always been proportionally small and never dehydrated or malnourished. He's never shown signs or any problems with blood sugar or blood pressure, so his doctors are very happy with that.
Our next few months will include more testing on these hormones to figure out what sorts of treatments would be an option for him and what we decide is right for his life. Its always a balance....and we'll take it one test result at a time. As long as he's happy and feels loved, that's the best treatment anyone can ask for! :-)
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