A pituitary function profile blood test is used to evaluate the functioning of the pituitary gland, often referred to as the “master gland” because it regulates other endocrine glands. It secretes hormones that control growth, metabolism, reproductive processes, and the adrenal and thyroid glands. A pituitary function profile typically includes several blood tests to measure levels of key hormones associated with the gland’s activity.

Here are the main hormones tested in a pituitary function profile:

1. Prolactin

  • Purpose: Stimulates breast milk production after childbirth and plays a role in reproductive health.
  • Why It’s Tested: To investigate causes of infertility, irregular menstruation, or unexpected milk production in non-pregnant women or men (galactorrhea). Elevated prolactin can also indicate a pituitary tumor (prolactinoma).

2. LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

  • Purpose: Regulate the function of the ovaries in women and the testes in men.
  • Why It’s Tested: To assess reproductive and menstrual function. In women, these are often tested to diagnose fertility issues or menstrual irregularities. In men, it’s tested for issues like low testosterone or infertility.

3. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

  • Purpose: Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
  • Why It’s Tested: To diagnose thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), which can be caused by either pituitary or thyroid gland issues.

4. IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

  • Purpose: Reflects growth hormone activity over time since GH is released in pulses.
  • Why It’s Tested: More reliable than a direct GH test for assessing growth hormone function. Used to diagnose growth hormone deficiency or excess.

5. Cortisol

  • Purpose: Produced by the adrenal glands, but its secretion is controlled by ACTH from the pituitary.
  • Why It’s Tested: Abnormal cortisol levels can indicate an issue with the pituitary gland’s regulation of the adrenal glands.

6. FSH

Reasons for Pituitary Function Testing:

  • Suspected pituitary tumours (e.g., prolactinoma, adenomas)
  • Symptoms of hormone imbalances (e.g., fatigue, weakness, weight changes, abnormal growth patterns)
  • Infertility, menstrual irregularities, or loss of libido
  • Unexplained lactation (in non-pregnant women or men)
  • Symptoms of hypopituitarism (reduced hormone production)
  • Adrenal or thyroid dysfunction linked to the pituitary gland

Pituitary function tests are often done alongside imaging studies (e.g., MRI) if a structural issue, like a tumour, is suspected. Proper evaluation helps endocrinologists diagnose and manage pituitary disorders effectively.

Results – 1 day from Laboratory receiving sample

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