Anterior Pituitary and Testing of Glandotropic Axes

All relevant functional tests are explained with a detailed presentation of indications, contraindications, side effects, test preparation, framework conditions, concrete instructions for the actual test execution, and the interpretation of test results. Specific normal ranges and cut-off values are always provided, even for special situations (gender, age, BMI, puberty phases, cycle phases, acute illnesses, medications, etc.). A special feature is the emphasis on test preparation, execution, and interpretation, as well as the interdisciplinary nature. The anterior pituitary hormones and their dynamic functional testing are detailed in this chapter. Even difficult, complex, rare, and newer test procedures such as inferior petrosal sinus catheterization, pulsatile GnRH test, combined GHRH-arginine infusion test, and Macimorelin test are extensively presented.