Figure 2.

Structured assessment of basal pituitary hormones followed by evaluation with dynamic testing methods

The relevant anterior pituitary axes are shown in the upper portion of the diagram as in Figure 1, while the steps to be followed in endocrinological assessment are shown in the lower portion.

CI, contraindications;

IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor 1;

fT4, free thyroxine;

TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone;

LH, luteinizing hormone;

FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone;

CRH, corticotropin-releasing hormone;

ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone;

IHT, insulin hypoglycemia test;

GHRH, growth-hormone-releasing hormone;

TRH, thyrotropin-releasing hormone;

GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone;

SHBG, sex-hormone binding globulin