Pituitary Disease / Disorder Affects 1 In 5 = 20% Of The U.S. Population announces The Pituitary Network Association

An estimated 60 Million people in the United States have Pituitary Disease or Disorder and the majority of them are unaware of it.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 12, 2008 -- In the United States today, over 1 million people are living with HIV, another million people are living with Parkinson's Disease. And 1.3 million adults were diagnosed with cancer last year. An estimated 60 million people in the United States have Pituitary/Hormonal disease or disorder and the majority of them are unaware of it.

Diagnosing pituitary disease and disorders in the past has been difficult. Doctors are now beginning to recognize symptoms such as unexplained depression, mood swings, memory loss, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, excessive hair growth and weakness in limbs.

"1 in 5 individuals may have an abnormal growth on their pituitary gland, causing significant health complications. If left undiagnosed and untreated, this can impair normal hormone function resulting in a reduced lifespan," explains Dr. Shereen Ezzat, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto and member of the Board of Directors of the Pituitary Network Association.

The pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that functions as the "master gland." It sends signals to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, directing them to produce thyroid hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and more. These hormones have dramatic effects on metabolism, blood pressure, sexuality, reproduction and other vital body functions. In addition, the pituitary gland produces growth hormone for normal development of height and prolactin for milk production.

The Pituitary Network Association (PNA) is an international non-profit organization founded in 1992 that serve patients with pituitary tumors and hormonal disorders. The network interfaces closely with physicians and health care providers who treat these patients. The PNA staff provides public awareness programs, seminars and assists the medical community in developing uniform standards for diagnosis, screening, surgery, radiation, and treatment. PNA is supported by a network of the world's finest Encrinologists, Pathologists, Scientists and Neurosurgeons. The interactive PNA website (www.pituitary.org) provides valuable, up-to-date information and links and has a readership of over 2 million people per month in over 130 countries.

Olympic Gold medalist skater and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton serves as Honorary Chairman of the Board of Governors for PNA. Scott is a Pituitary patient who was diagnosed with a tumor and has recovered from the non-cancerous pituitary tumor.

The Pituitary Network Association is located at 2814 Camino Dos Rios, Suite 402, Newbury Park, CA 91302. Tel. 805-499-9973 Tax ID#33-0530465

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