General principles of endocrinology

Question 1

If you suspect a hormone deficiency?

Answer 1

do a stimulation test

Question 2

If you suspect hormone excess?

Answer 2

do a suppression test

Question 3

Central defects tend to cause hormone levels to move in what direction?

Answer 3

same direction

e.g. Low TSH, Low T4/T3 (secondary hypothyroidism)

Question 4

Peripheral defects tend to cause hormone levels to move in what direction?

Answer 4

opposite directions

e.g. High T4/T3, low negative feedback TSH

Question 5

Anterior pituitary produces?

Answer 5

LH/FHS - ovaries and testes

GH - many tissues

TSH - thyroid

Prolactin - breasts/gonads

ACTH - adrenals

Question 6

Posterior pituitary produces?

Answer 6

Vasopressin (ADH) - renal tubules

Oxytocin - breasts/uterus