The pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain and serves as the body's "master control gland" because it makes important chemicals (hormones) and directs the making of hormones in glands located in other parts of the body. These hormones are required for growth, energy control (metabolism), and sexual development.

Many children with ONH have problems with their pituitary gland ranging from very minor problems with almost no effect on the child, to problems making one or more very important hormones. When a person has problems making hormones in the pituitary gland it is called hypopituitarism.

Your child will be tested to see if there are any problems making hormones. This is done by a doctor who specializes in gland problems (endocrinologist). Tests are done at the time of diagnosis and regularly as your child grows up. A child who initially does not have hormone problems may develop them at a later time. Therefore, it is very important for your child to be tested regularly as he or she grows up.

Growth hormone is made in the pituitary gland and controls the growth of the bones. Lack of growth hormone causes a child to grow at a slower than normal rate. Without treatment, the child will be shorter than expected when growth is finished. Some children who lack growth hormone also have low blood sugar.

{turn the page}