What is empty sella syndrome (ESS)?

What is empty sella syndrome (ESS)?

Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a rare condition in which your pituitary gland becomes flattened or shrinks due to issues with the contents within the sella turcica. The sella turcica is a bony structure at the base of your brain that surrounds and protects your pituitary gland.

The sella turcica is a saddle-like compartment. In Latin, it means “Turkish seat.” ESS causes certain symptoms, including hormonal imbalances, frequent headaches and vision changes.

Your pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of your brain below your hypothalamus. It’s a part of your endocrine system and is in charge of making many different important hormones. These hormones affect and control other glands in your endocrine system.