---
title: Hyperpituitarism (overactive pituitary gland)
description: "Hyperpituitarism refers to excess production of one or more pituitary hormones, often due to an adenoma. Large pituitary tumours can affect vision. ## Ocular and systemic effects Compression of the optic chiasm is a key concern. - Bitemporal visual field…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/hyperpituitarism-overactive-pituitary-gland/"
updated: "2025-12-17"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# Hyperpituitarism (overactive pituitary gland)

Hyperpituitarism refers to excess production of one or more pituitary hormones, often due to an adenoma. Large pituitary tumours can affect vision.

## Ocular and systemic effects

Compression of the optic chiasm is a key concern.

- Bitemporal visual field loss and reduced acuity in advanced cases
- Headaches and sometimes double vision from cranial nerve involvement
- Hormonal syndromes such as acromegaly, Cushing disease, or hyperprolactinaemia
- MRI confirms pituitary enlargement and relationship to the chiasm

## Management

Treatment depends on tumour type and size.

- Medical therapy such as dopamine agonists for prolactinomas
- Transsphenoidal surgery and/or radiotherapy for other functioning adenomas
- Regular visual field testing and endocrine follow-up
- Hormone replacement if hypopituitarism occurs after treatment