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Thyroid hormones are associated with pituitary and thyroid volume in a population-based study
Annemarie Luise Weihs1, Katharina Wittfeld1, Robin Bülow2
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald D-17475, Germany.
Journal of the Endocrine Society
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Thyroid gland and pituitary gland volumes correlate with thyroid hormone levels in the general population. These organ sizes influence variations in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, and free T4, impacting thyroid function.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Human Physiology
- Population Health
Background:
- Thyroid function variations, even within normal ranges, are linked to adverse outcomes.
- Individual differences in thyroid function suggest unique hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis setpoints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of HPT axis organ volumes to thyroid hormone level variations.
- To analyze associations between hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid gland volumes and circulating thyroid hormones.
Main Methods:
- Linear regression models were used to analyze cross-sectional data from the Study of Health in Pomerania (n=3438).
- Associations between pituitary volume, thyroid volume, and thyroid hormone levels (free T3, free T4, TSH) were assessed.
- Longitudinal analyses (n=2040) supported key findings over a mean follow-up of 7.3 years.
Main Results:
- Pituitary volume showed an inverse association with free T4 levels.
- Thyroid volume was inversely associated with TSH levels and positively associated with free T3 and free T4 levels.
- No significant association was found between hypothalamus volume and thyroid hormone levels.
Conclusions:
- Pituitary and thyroid gland volumes are significant factors contributing to the variation in circulating thyroid hormone levels.
- These findings highlight the role of HPT axis organ size in regulating thyroid hormone homeostasis in the general population.
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