The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It plays a crucial role in controlling the body's endocrine system. This gland secretes several important hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the pituitary gland. Most are benign and slow-growing, but they can cause endocrine disorders and hormonal imbalances.

Dr. Mai Hoang Vu, from the Department of Neurosurgery at Tam Anh General Hospital's Neuroscience Center in Ho Chi Minh City, explains that pituitary tumors can affect fertility in both men and women. Common issues include hormonal disorders causing amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. These symptoms can increase the risk of infertility in both sexes.

Infertility caused by pituitary tumors can be linked to tumors that secrete the hormone prolactin (called prolactinomas). Prolactin stimulates milk production after childbirth and inhibits the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, or testes. Abnormally high prolactin levels can cause ovulation disorders and reduce testosterone and sperm production. Prolactin-secreting tumors or large tumors that cause pituitary insufficiency can lead to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and affect sperm quality in men.

Other tumor types, such as growth hormone-secreting tumors or non-secreting tumors, can indirectly affect fertility if they grow large and compress functional areas of the pituitary gland. This compression can impair the gland's ability to secrete essential hormones, disrupting ovulation or sperm production.

A doctor performs endoscopic surgery to remove a pituitary tumor. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A doctor performs endoscopic surgery to remove a pituitary tumor. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Infertility due to pituitary tumors is treatable with early detection, regular monitoring, and appropriate specialist care. Patients can receive medical treatment with prolactin-inhibiting drugs to restore normal prolactin levels, menstruation (in women), and fertility. If the tumor is large, compresses the optic nerve, or doesn't respond to medication, doctors may recommend transsphenoidal surgery to remove it. Modern techniques like endoscopic and microsurgery increase precision, preserve healthy pituitary tissue, and minimize complications.

Pituitary tumor treatment requires long-term monitoring and close collaboration between endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, and obstetricians if necessary. In many cases, women need medication adjustments before pregnancy, as some drugs can affect the fetus. During pregnancy, high estrogen levels can cause the tumor to grow, requiring close monitoring to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, abnormal milk secretion, decreased libido, or prolonged unsuccessful attempts to conceive should consult an endocrinologist or neurologist for a pituitary gland evaluation. Doctors typically diagnose pituitary tumors in men and women based on blood hormone tests and brain MRIs to determine the tumor's size, location, and nature. This information helps develop an appropriate and effective treatment plan.

Phuong Thy