67. Decoding Pituitary Disorders Through Hormone Investigation | Noa Tal, MD
by Anthony Effinger
The Think Neuro podcast from Pacific Neuroscience Institute takes you into the clinic, operating room and laboratory with doctors and surgeons who are tackling the most challenging brain diseases and disorders. Host: Anthony Effinger
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Tucked deep within the brain and no larger than a pea, the pituitary gland is often called the body’s “master gland.” It oversees the endocrine system—a network of glands and organs that produce hormones regulating everything from growth and metabolism to reproduction and mood. At Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Pituitary Disorders Center, endocrinologist Dr. Noa Tal specializes in identifying and treating hormone and endocrine imbalances. Patients may present with a wide range of symptoms—unexplained weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, or mood changes—that often seem unrelated. In cases like Cushing’s disease, a pituitary tumor triggers excess cortisol production, resulting in a puzzling array of symptoms. Sometimes the cause is even more elusive, such as side effects from medications. That’s where careful clinical investigation comes in. Dr. Tal and her interdisciplinary team work closely to uncover the root of hormonal issues and guide patients toward not just better outcomes, but better quality of life. Listen in!
About Dr. Noa Tal

Fellowship trained, Noa Tal, MD, is a devoted endocrinologist committed to delivering exceptional care and striving for excellence in her field. With a diverse background encompassing medicine, research, teaching, and wellness, she endeavors to make significant contributions to healthcare. At the Pituitary Disorders Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute®, Dr. Tal cares for patients with endocrine issues as a result of pituitary tumors.
About the Author
Anthony Effinger
Think Neuro's host is Anthony Effinger, an award-winning journalist who is fascinated with neuroscience and the workings of the brain. Anthony spent 24 years at Bloomberg News, where he covered all aspects of finance, with forays into science and health. In 2006, the Association of Health Care Journalists awarded him first prize for Playing the Odds, an in-depth piece on the changing strategies used to treat prostate cancer. These days, he is a staff writer at Willamette Week, a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper in Portland, Oregon, where he lives with his wife and two children.
Last updated: October 28th, 2025