Pituitary
The master gland — growth hormone and prolactin in front, ADH and desmopressin behind.
The Anterior Pituitary: Growth Hormone and Prolactin
The pituitary is the 'master gland', and its front lobe releases the hormones that command the others. Two of its own hormones have their own drugs and their own diseases — growth hormone and prolactin — and one of them hides a delightful surprise: the drug that treats too much prolactin comes straight from the Parkinson's chapter.
The Posterior Pituitary: ADH, Desmopressin & Diabetes Insipidus
One hormone controls how much water your body keeps: antidiuretic hormone. When it's lacking, you pass litres of dilute urine and are always thirsty — a condition confusingly named 'diabetes insipidus' that has nothing to do with sugar. The story of ADH ties water balance, a simple replacement drug, and a neat naming puzzle into one tidy lesson.
