Pituitary Hormones
If TSH is low with a low free T4 (central hypothyroidism), do pituitary hormones and MRI.
Pituitary Hormones:
- Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis) :GH – growth & metabolism
- TSH – stimulates thyroid hormones
- ACTH – stimulates adrenal cortex
- LH – stimulates sex hormone production
- FSH – stimulates gamete production
Read this in Endocrine LAqs and SAqs
What our notes say
- If TSH is low with a low free T4 (central hypothyroidism), do pituitary hormones and MRI. (Integrated case paper: Medicine, Surgery, Gynaecology and Paediatrics (160 marks)
- This is the deficiency of one or more anterior pituitary hormones. (ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY)
- T3 is thyroid hormone, prolactin is pituitary hormone, and ADH is produced by the hypothalamus. (Chemical Pathology MCQs)
- The secretion of anterior pituitary hormones is tightly regulated by hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones. (MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY II ESsays)
- Pituitary disorders include hyperpituitarism (e.g., adenomas causing hormone excess or mass effects) and hypopituitarism (deficiency of pituitary hormones). (ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY)
- Definition: Pituitary hormone feeds back to hypothalamus (Medical Physiology Section A - Complete Questions and Comprehensive Answers)
Study material on Pituitary Hormones
- Hypothalamic Hormones: Master Regulators of the Endocrine System
- Medical Physiology Section A - Complete Questions and Comprehensive Answers
- Medical Physiology Paper II MCQs
- ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY
- Hypothalamic and Pituitary Hormones
Practice questions on Pituitary Hormones
Which pituitary hormone deficiency occurs last in progressive hypopituitarism?
- TSH
- FSH/LH
- ACTH
- GH
Answer: C. GH is typically the first hormone lost; however, ACTH deficiency is most life-threatening. The order is GH → LH/FSH → TSH → ACTH. This question tests awareness of the sequence. GH is lost first, making it the answer to 'which deficiency occurs first,' not last. The last to be lost is typically ACTH. ---
Which pituitary hormone deficiency occurs last in progressive hypopituitarism? ---
- TSH
- FSH/LH
- ACTH
- GH
Answer: D.