Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hypophyseal hypertrophy in pregnancy
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Hypophyseal hypertrophy in pregnancy refers to enlargement of the pituitary gland during pregnancy.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
MRI studies indicate that the pituitary gland increases in volume by about 30% during pregnancy. It tends to bulge upward.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Rarely does the enlarged pituitary gland impinge on the optic chiasm and cause visual field changes. The pituitary returns to normal size after delivery. Despite the hyperplasia of the pituitary gland, there is no increased risk of pituitary tumors like a prolactinoma.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]