I'm fundraising for The Pituitary Foundation because I'm one of many people living with a prolactinoma--a benign tumour growing on my pituitary gland which produces excess levels of the hormone prolactin.  At present, there is little research on this condition, and only few treatment options. For some, surgical removal is possible depending on tumour size. For many, it is a lifelong condition treated with regular medication. There are 2 medications which are proven to lower prolactin, and thus shrink the tumour, however these medications often can cause severe side effects which can be debilitating (depression, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, nausea to name a few). Left untreated, a prolactinoma may grow large enough to compress your optic nerve; can cause weight gain, headaches, lactation, reduced fertility and amenorrhea (lack of period); as well as a host of other related health conditions.

I'm one of the lucky ones in that I don't suffer from too many side effects from my (micro)prolactinoma or the medication. But I want doctors to know more about my condition and I want more research done on this condition that affects many.   

The Pituitary Foundation's Objectives are to:

• To promote the relief and treatment of persons suffering from pituitary disorders and related conditions and diseases, and their families, friends and carers, and to provide information and support;
• To promote and support research and to disseminate for the public benefit the results of any such research.

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