Endocrine studies for pituitary tumors commonly include measurement of which hormones?

Endocrine studies for pituitary tumors commonly include measurement of which hormones?

• A. Only prolactin
• B. Prolactin, GH, ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH
• C. Only GH and ACTH
• D. Only TSH and LH

Answer: (B)

Pituitary tumors can disrupt or overproduce several hormonal axes, so evaluating them usually includes a broad panel of the major pituitary hormones. Measuring prolactin is essential because prolactinomas are a common functional tumor, and even nonfunctional tumors can raise prolactin levels from stalk compression. In addition, assessing growth hormone helps detect excess (acromegaly) or deficiency; ACTH with cortisol gauges the adrenal axis and potential Cushing disease; TSH with free T4 checks the thyroid axis; and FSH and LH examine the gonadal axis. Together, this comprehensive set provides a clear picture of pituitary function and the tumor’s impact, guiding diagnosis and treatment.

Pituitary tumors can disrupt or overproduce several hormonal axes, so evaluating them usually includes a broad panel of the major pituitary hormones. Measuring prolactin is essential because prolactinomas are a common functional tumor, and even nonfunctional tumors can raise prolactin levels from stalk compression. In addition, assessing growth hormone helps detect excess (acromegaly) or deficiency; ACTH with cortisol gauges the adrenal axis and potential Cushing disease; TSH with free T4 checks the thyroid axis; and FSH and LH examine the gonadal axis. Together, this comprehensive set provides a clear picture of pituitary function and the tumor’s impact, guiding diagnosis and treatment.