If you have been diagnosed with a disease resulting from pituitary gland dysfunction, you might have wondered if there is anything you can do to heal your pituitary gland naturally. The answer is yes!
Pituitary Gland Function
Without getting too technical, the pituitary gland is responsible for a large number of functions in the body. It sits on the underside of the brain in a bony cavity and is about the size of a pea. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the Master Gland because it directs the activities of many other parts of the body, in particular, the endocrine system. Some of its functions include:
- The regulation of skin pigmentation through the production of the hormone melanin
- The maintenance of the body’s fluid levels through the production of anti-diuretic hormones
- The regulation of the adrenal glands (responsible for our response to stress, among other things)
- The regulation of various reproductive functions
- Hormone production in other parts of the reproductive system such as the thyroid, adrenal gland, testes and ovaries
When Things Go Wrong
Many of the causes of pituitary gland dysfunction remain a mystery, but the results are clear. Serious illnesses result when the pituitary gland isn’t working the way it should. These include:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s Disease
- Hyperprolactinemia (the excess production of the hormone prolactin)
The pituitary gland has many functions - Giantism
- Dwarfism
- Pituitary tumours
Natural Healing Of Pituitary Gland Dysfunction
The body has an amazing capacity for healing itself under the right conditions. These natural remedies have been shown to be useful in healing some pituitary disorders, but it must be stressed that they might not work for you. It also must be noted that some of them should be used only under medical supervision and should not replace existing treatment.
- Chasteberry
The chasteberry has been used for many years in the treatment of hormonal disorders in women and is thought to be useful in healing the pituitary gland and restoring normal function. Researchers believe it may be useful in restoring prolactin levels to normal. However, there are some cautions: women who are breastfeeding, pregnant or undergoing IVF treatment should not use it, nor should people who are using dopamine agonist drugs such as bromocriptine or cabergoline. If you are undergoing hormone replacement therapy or are on the contraceptive pill, you should consult your doctor before using it.
- Probiotics
Many cases of disease find their roots in the dysfunction of the digestive system. Probiotic use can heal the digestive system by establishing friendly colonies of bacteria to enhance the microbiome. A healthy microbiome reduces inflammation in the body. It also assists the body to receive the nutrients it needs so that healing can take place.
- L-arginine
Studies show that L-arginine may be useful in the treatment of growth hormone abnormalities and pituitary tumours. Its functions include the regulation of the body’s fluid levels, hair growth, and sperm production. It also assists with wound healing and fighting infections. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should avoid it. You should also avoid it if you have kidney or liver disease or have suffered a stroke. You should only use it under medical supervision if you are taking blood thinning medication, anti-diabetic drugs or blood pressure drugs.
- Zinc
Zinc may be helpful in children who experience stunted growth as a result of pituitary gland dysfunction. Researchers believe it is useful in the production of human growth hormone which is also essential for a variety of functions in adults, including healing and tissue repair.
- Copper
Copper is also thought to be helpful in the production of human growth hormone. It is readily available in a variety of foods such as beef, avocados, nuts, shellfish and some fruits. Changing your diet is the best place to start, but if you suspect that you might be copper deficient, a test from a practitioner will give you reliable results. Experts recommend that you undertake a test before you use supplements.
A Healthy Pituitary Gland Means A Healthy You
Give your body the best chance to heal itself by adding these natural remedies to your treatment plan. By no means an exhaustive list, they are nevertheless a starting point for your journey of healing your pituitary gland dysfunction. When you use them under the supervision of a professional they should be a safe and effective addition to your treatment plan.
References:
http://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/pituitary/overview
https://medlineplus.gov/pituitarydisorders.html
http://theconversation.com/chemical-messengers-how-hormones-help-us-sleep-44983
http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/pituitary-gland