What is a characteristic of hyperpituitarism?

• A. Stunted growth
• B. Excessive hormonal secretion
• C. Reduced metabolic rate
• D. Increased insulin sensitivity

Answer: (B)

Hyperpituitarism is characterized by the excessive secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland, which often leads to a variety of clinical manifestations depending on the specific hormones involved. In this condition, the anterior pituitary gland produces and releases an overabundance of key hormones, such as growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), among others. This hormonal overproduction can lead to conditions such as acromegaly (due to excessive growth hormone), Cushing's disease (due to excess ACTH), or hyperprolactinemia.

Stunted growth typically results from hypopituitarism or conditions that cause a deficiency in growth hormone, rather than hyperpituitarism. A reduced metabolic rate is often associated with insufficient hormone levels, such as thyroid hormones, rather than an excess. Similarly, increased insulin sensitivity is not a characteristic of hyperpituitarism; instead, conditions linked to excess hormone levels, like Cushing's syndrome and diabetes mellitus, tend to lead to insulin resistance. Therefore, excessive hormonal secretion is the defining feature of hyperpituitarism, marking it as the correct choice.