The pituitary gland, often referred to as the master gland, plays a vital role in regulating nearly every endocrine function in the human body. In a case shared by holistic lifestyle coach and nutritionist Luke Coutinho, a woman in her late 30s underwent surgery for a pituitary gland tumour. Post-surgery, she was placed on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives (OCPs) for medical reasons, only to experience a cascade of side effects that left her seeking answers beyond conventional treatments.
“Our integrative team of experts reviewed not just her medical history but also her lifestyle, routine, emotional health, preferences, activity levels and more. We designed a holistic lifestyle protocol to rebuild her body’s core fundamentals. While her meds and HRT were essential, we focused on minimising side effects and addressing underlying imbalances,” he captioned the post.
By focusing on cellular nutrition, hormone balancing, circadian medicine, and toxin elimination, the protocol helped alleviate many of her symptoms, including migraines and poor gut health. Coutinho emphasised that while some medical conditions require ongoing medication, rebuilding the body’s core fundamentals can lead to significant improvements in quality of life.
To understand this approach better, indianexpress.com spoke to Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, consultant, Internal Medicine at Koshys Hospital. “The pituitary gland, often called the “master gland,” is a pea-shaped organ located at the base of the brain. Despite its small size, it plays a pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions by producing and controlling hormones that influence growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses,” he informs.
Disruptions in the pituitary gland’s function can have cascading effects on multiple organ systems due to its influence on other endocrine glands like the thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads.
Common side effects of treatments like HRT and OCPs
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): While HRT is crucial to replenish deficient hormones, Dr Reddy states, it may lead to weight gain, mood swings, and increased risk of clotting disorders if not carefully monitored.
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs): “Often used for hormone regulation, they can cause nausea, headaches, and fluctuations in mood,” says Dr Reddy.
Effective management requires a combination of medical, nutritional, and lifestyle strategies to mitigate these side effects.
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Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) are often used for hormone regulation, and can cause nausea, headaches, and fluctuations in mood (Source: Freepik)
On Luke Coutinho’s holistic protocol
Each step in Luke Coutinho’s protocol addresses a specific aspect of recovery and well-being, states Dr Reddy. He lists the benefits of each:
Cellular Nutrition for Anti-Angiogenesis and DNA Repair: Foods rich in antioxidants (e.g., berries, turmeric, and leafy greens) reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially preventing abnormal blood vessel growth around the tumour site.
Gut Microbiome and Anti-inflammatory Pathways: Probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods strengthen gut health, which directly impacts hormonal regulation and immune response.
Hormone Balancing Protocol: Nutritional adjustments like incorporating flaxseeds (rich in lignans) or adaptogens (e.g., ashwagandha) can aid hormonal homeostasis.
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Yoga and Walks: Gentle activities improve circulation, reduce stress hormones, and enhance endocrine function.
Circadian Medicine: Aligning daily activities with natural light-dark cycles optimises hormone secretion patterns, particularly cortisol and melatonin.
Mitochondrial Repair: Nutrients like CoQ10 and magnesium boost energy production at the cellular level.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Breathing exercises or humming stimulate the vagus nerve, reducing stress and improving hormonal balance.
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Emotional Coaching and Visualisation: Addressing mental health aids in releasing suppressed emotions, fostering better prognosis and adherence to recovery plans.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
