Discussion for Patient: Endocrine System (Pituitary Insufficiency) Endocrine glands secrete hormones and other chemicals directly into the bloodstream. Some of the principal glands of the endocrine system are the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, adrenal cortex, pancreas, ovaries (female), and testes (male). The liver also plays an important role in metabolizing hormones and chemical messengers. Liver function must be considered whenever there is an imbalance of any endocrine gland. In addition, since each gland works in concert with the other glands, an imbalance of one affects the others. The hormones produced by the endocrine glands are responsible for numerous body processes, including growth, metabolism, sexual activity, temperature regulation, and response to stress. Any increase or decrease in the production of a specific hormone affects the process it controls. Like all parts of the body, endocrine glands need nutritional support. When under stress, either from psycho-logical factors (such as work, finances, relationships, etc.) or metabolic factors (such as hypoglycemia, excess oxidation, inflammation, infection, malnourishment, toxins, etc.), the endocrine glands are taxed. If they are not strong, well-nourished, and supplied with their mineral and vitamin co-factors, they can weaken and become functionally insufficient. Unfortunately, lab tests do not tell the whole story, so many doctors miss this state of insufficiency because it is not outright failure/deficient. Similarly, an over-stimulated or over-active gland can cause significant symptoms, and yet the laboratory results will not show an outright excess. Nutritionally oriented practitioners may prescribe glandular extracts, vitamins, minerals, or stimulatory phyto-nutrients. Glandulars are primarily protein substances made from individual glands that supply the body with hormones, enzymes, nucleic proteins, and other active substances. Protomorphogens (PMGs) are another way to help the gland balance itself. A protomorphogen is a patented tissue extract intended to supply the specific determinant factors that improve the nutritional environment for that organ. Thus, a protomorphogen will calm an over-active organ or support a weakened one without stimulation or inhibition. There can be no overdosage, but a temporary clearing effect may occur as the gland is brought into regulation if the dose is above a critical level. Otherwise, there are no side effects except as related to the proper function of the gland/ organ targeted by the PMG. A small amount can provide a remarkable rejuvenation. The pituitary is actually two separate glands, the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary stimulates all of the other endocrine glands, and yet it is often overlooked as a contributing cause in cases of low thyroid, adrenal, testes, or ovarian conditions. When more than one of these glands underfunction, the anterior pituitary should be considered. The posterior pituitary's most visible role is in water balance. The pituitary responds to stress just as the other glands do. There is an antagonism between insulin and the sex hormones on anterior pituitary function, and an antagonism between adrenal cortex hormones and the posterior pituitary. These feedback relations help the precise regulation of hormones. Of course, an imbalance of one affects the other. SP: E-Manganese, Symplex F or M, Pituitrophin PMG. Notes on General Support E-Manganese, Dissected Anterior Pituitary with Manganese, and vitamin E is best given in a stepped protocol, i.e. 1 per day with a meal for one week increasing weekly to three times per day with meals. This approach will minimize the patient's therapeutic reaction. If any reaction occurs, this provides a definite sign that you are on the right track. It would be a good idea to tell your patient that he/she may experience some queasiness or mild stomach upset, and so not to be concerned. Nutritional Comments Dysfunction of the anterior pituitary needs to be ruled out in every case of thyroid, adrenal, gondola, or pancreatic dysfunction, as well as in every case of ulcers and colitis. Whenever a well designed intervention addressing one of these problems does not respond as anticipated, remember to look further up the endocrine system to the function of the pituitary, and even further to the function of the hypothalamus. This is often the answer when a problem further down the system appears to be non-responsive.