Pituitary substance (Pituitary Glandular)
Synopsis of pituitary substance
Pituitary substance refers to extracts derived from the pituitary gland, a pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain, often called the “master gland” due to its regulatory control over many hormonal functions in the body. These extracts are typically sourced from the glands of bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) animals and are used in glandular therapy—a form of supplementation where animal gland tissues are consumed to support the corresponding gland in humans.
Pituitary extracts may contain small amounts of biologically active peptides, amino acids, enzymes, and, depending on how they are processed, trace hormones such as growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In glandular therapy, pituitary substance is thought to support endocrine function, energy levels, mood balance, and overall hormonal health by "feeding" the human pituitary or mimicking its effects in the body.
Today, pituitary substance is used in alternative and integrative medicine settings for symptoms associated with fatigue, hormonal imbalances, stress-related burnout, and pituitary insufficiency. It is usually administered in desiccated (freeze-dried) form via capsules or tablets. However, due to its hormonal potential, the use of pituitary gland extracts is regulated in many countries and has become less common in conventional practice with the rise of synthetic hormones and targeted pharmaceuticals.
Historical Use in Medicine:
The medical use of animal gland extracts began in earnest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the early days of endocrinology. Before synthetic hormones were developed, extracts from animal glands—including thyroid, adrenal, ovary, and pituitary—were widely used to treat endocrine disorders.
Pituitary extracts were introduced in medicine in the early 1900s to manage pituitary insufficiency, especially in cases of dwarfism or growth hormone deficiency. Crude extracts were used to induce labor, stimulate lactation, and treat amenorrhea and hypogonadism before synthetic alternatives became available. In 1912, the hormone oxytocin was first isolated from pituitary tissue, eventually leading to its purified medical use.
In naturopathic and glandular therapy, which peaked in the mid-20th century, practitioners believed consuming desiccated animal glands could help rebuild or nourish corresponding human glands. Pituitary substance was commonly included in “multi-glandular” formulations to address general vitality, especially in cases of endocrine burnout or stress-related fatigue.
Though modern medicine now favors bioidentical or synthetic hormones, pituitary substance remains in use within traditional naturopathy and some functional medicine practices as part of a holistic approach to restoring endocrine balance. However, concerns over purity, safety, and hormonal variability have led to stricter regulation and reduced widespread use.
Pituitary substance is used for these health conditions
Infertility (Scientific)