What Are The Symptoms Of A Pituitary Tumor?

Nausea And Vomiting

Pituitary tumors may produce nausea and vomiting through numerous mechanisms. A pituitary tumor that presses on the nerves that allow for communication between the eyes and vision center of the brain can cause visual problems and disturbances that result in nausea and vomiting. Any tumor that puts pressure on the brain can cause nausea and vomiting due to a headache, reduced blood flow, or inappropriate activation of the vomiting center in the brain.

Pituitary tumors that damage the parts of the gland responsible for producing hormones such as cortisol and thyroid-stimulating hormone are also known to cause nausea and vomiting. Decreased TSH or cortisol from damage to the gland can cause several body systems to slow down, including the gastrointestinal system. When food stagnates in the digestive tract for too long, the patient may begin to feel nauseous or vomit. Deficient amounts of these hormones in the body can also reduce an individual's heart rate and breathing. This leads to nausea and vomiting due to low blood pressure and dizziness.

Mood Changes

An individual who presents with mood changes may be affected by a pituitary tumor. Mood swings in an individual in response to their everyday stresses and situational circumstances are normal. When mood changes begin to become so severe that they interfere with daily tasks and responsibilities, it can indicate a more serious medical problem.

A tumor in the pituitary gland can cause it to produce too much stimulating hormone, forcing the adrenal glands to make excess cortisol. When an individual's body is exposed to high levels of cortisol over a long period, they develop a syndrome referred to as Cushing syndrome. A Cushing syndrome patient can experience symptoms, including a loss of emotional control, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, and severe mood swings.