Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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What are they?

Pituitary disorders are characterised by excess amounts of, or a deficiency in, one or more of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland and/or by the symptoms caused by the compression of the surrounding tissues when a pituitary tumour is present. The pituitary is a pea-sized gland located in the centre of the head behind the sinus cavity. It is found at the bottom of the brain, below the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are part of the endocrine system - a group of glands that work together to produce and regulate hormones that affect tissues throughout the body. The hypothalamus communicates with the brain and nervous system. It senses the body’s need for a specific hormone and tells the pituitary when to initiate or increase production of that hormone.

The pituitary consists of an anterior and posterior portion. In the anterior (or front) portion, growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin are produced. These hormones help regulate bone growth, muscle mass, the body’s response to stress, blood sugar, the rate at which the body uses energy (metabolic rate), the development of secondary sexual characteristics, fertility and milk production. They affect specific ‘target’ tissues throughout the body, including the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries (women) and testes (men).

In the posterior (or rear) portion of the pituitary, oxytocin is produced and antidiuretic hormone (ADH, produced in the hypothalamus) is stored for release. ADH controls the amount of water that the kidneys excrete, which in turn helps regulate the balance of water in the body. Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of the uterus during and after childbirth and is responsible for stimulating the release of milk during breastfeeding.


Last Review Date: April 28, 2023


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