Question: Will radiation of the pituitary gland cause problems for females wanting to have children? If so, how long will it take for the problem to become apparent?

Answer: Radiation treatment to the pituitary gland may result in pituitary gland hypofunction over a several year period of time. In the first 10 years after pituitary radiation, the majority of patients have some degree of pituitary gland failure. In women, this may be manifested as decreased ovarian function and infertility. However, the effects of radiation of the pituitary gland are quite variable from patient to patient and many women can continue to conceive and have healthy children following pituitary radiation.