It’s tough being a person with a pituitary disease – and it’s not easy for your families and carers, either.

The Pituitary Gland is perhaps one of the most important but least known glands in the human body.  Most people have not even heard of it, yet it has an enormous control over our body’s ability to function normally.  We make up a very small and quite rare group of patients, and as such feel isolation and sometimes despair.

Often, the opportunity to meet or talk to someone who understands can be a great comfort.  Family members and partners benefit also as they seek support alongside you.

That’s where the Australian Pituitary Foundation Ltd (APF) can help.  The Foundation was established to assist people with pituitary-related illness.

We have  established a patient support group which exchanges information, experiences and canvasses a range of strategies through a library of literature, as well as meetings, telephone contacts and online networks.  The Foundation helps promote a sense of unity and support which in turn makes you feel more in control.  A strong body of literature shows that belonging to such a group can assist with well-being.

Initial telephone contact to enquirers who have been newly diagnosed or seeking communication.

Social support meetings are held in most states.  Your state representative can provide more information.   Interested members of the public are more than welcome.

The phone and email Patient Contact Register is available for APF members who want to personally contact other members with a pituitary-related illness.  You simply register your phone number and email address with the Foundation once you become a member.  The register is available to current members only.  Members who want to access the register can contact the APF Secretary by email.   The Foundation is also continuing to connect families of children affected by pituitarty disorders.

A yahoo members email group has been established and is a network for people with pituitary-related illnesses and carers. Through the group, patients and carers can discuss issues, strategies and resources. Remember, though, you must check with your endocrinologist or medical specialists before acting on any advice from these pages - the comments are the opinions of individuals, not the APF. Participation in the group is only available to members of the APF.