It is clearly ironic that such a large body resulted from a malfunction in a minuscule gland. The pituitary is often called the master gland because it controls so much. It produces (or regulates the production of) growth hormone, cortisol, estrogen and testosterone, oxytocin, adrenaline, and much else. When you exercise vigorously, the pituitary squirts endorphins into your bloodstream. Endorphins are the same chemicals released when you eat or have sex. They are closely related to opiates. That’s why it is called the runner’s high. There is barely a corner of your life that the pituitary
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