Pituitary and HPA (Hypothalamus/Pituitary/Adrenal) Panel

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Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced by the pituitary gland, which controls the production of cortisol. This blood analysis of ACTH aids in the evaluation of the pituitary gland and disorders characterized by abnormal cortisol levels.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1, a.k.a. somatomedin C) is a marker of growth hormone (GH) secretion. Due to GH’s short half-life in the body, blood testing for IGF-1 is a more reliable indicator of GH levels than testing for GH itself.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced and secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid to make T4, which is then converted to T3. 

This Chemistry Panel & Complete Blood Count (CBC) helps assess cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing by measuring cholesterol, triglycerides and blood cell count. It also reports on health markers that indicate liver and kidney function, and it will provide clues needed to assess the HPA axis.

Four salivary samples measured throughout the day give insight into the natural circadian diurnal cortisol rhythm, and help clinicians address specific daily stressors. DHEA is measured once in the 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM sample and a ratio of DHEA to cortisol is calculated to provide insight into anabolic/catabolic balance.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and the production of estradiol during the first half of the menstrual cycle. In the male, it stimulates the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules and is partially responsible for inducing spermatogenesis.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) first causes ovulation, then stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone for about a week. In men, LH stimulates the production of androgen by the testes.

Waking in the night to urinate or urinating too often during the day may mean your pituitary is not producing adequate anti-diuretic hormone (ADH).

Secreted by the pituitary gland, MSH helps maintain the integrity of the mucosal membranes throughout our bodies. It controls the inflammatory process and helps fight microbial overgrowths.

Prolactin should be measured when there is suspicion of pituitary dysfunction.