What is the Pituitary Function Profile?

The Pituitary Function Profile is a comprehensive blood test panel that assesses hormones produced or regulated by the pituitary gland, often referred to as the “master gland” of the endocrine system. It plays a central role in controlling thyroid function, reproduction, growth, stress response, and metabolism.

This profile includes:

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

• Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Luteinising Hormone (LH)

• Prolactin

• Growth Hormone (GH)

• Cortisol

Together, these markers provide a broad overview of pituitary activity and its downstream effects on other endocrine organs such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes.

Why do I need a Pituitary Function Profile?

Pituitary dysfunction can lead to widespread hormonal imbalance because the pituitary regulates multiple glands simultaneously. Symptoms are often vague, overlapping, and easily misattributed to stress or lifestyle factors.

This profile is particularly useful when investigating unexplained fatigue, fertility issues, menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunction, abnormal growth patterns, or suspected endocrine disorders.

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness

• Unexplained weight changes

• Irregular menstrual cycles or infertility

• Low libido or sexual dysfunction

• Headaches or visual disturbances

• Milk discharge from breasts (galactorrhoea)

• Abnormal thyroid or cortisol results

• Suspected pituitary or hormonal disorders

Benefits of the Pituitary Function Profile

1. Assesses overall pituitary gland activity
   Provides insight into the central regulator of the endocrine system.

2. Evaluates thyroid regulation
   TSH helps determine whether thyroid issues originate from the pituitary.

3. Supports fertility and reproductive assessment
   FSH and LH are essential for ovulation, sperm production, and sex hormone balance.

4. Investigates prolactin-related symptoms
   Elevated prolactin can affect fertility, libido, and menstrual cycles.

5. Assesses growth hormone regulation
   Supports investigation of abnormal growth, muscle mass, or metabolic issues.

6. Evaluates stress and adrenal response
   Cortisol reflects pituitary–adrenal axis function.

7. Supports diagnosis of pituitary disorders
   Useful in suspected pituitary adenomas or hypopituitarism.

8. Guides targeted follow-up testing
   Helps determine which endocrine pathways require further investigation.

Step-by-step – how we offer Pituitary Function Profile testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• A qualified clinician or phlebotomist collects your blood sample

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Pituitary Function Profile results explained

Low hormone levels

Low levels of one or more pituitary-related hormones may indicate reduced pituitary output (hypopituitarism) or impaired signalling to target glands. This can result in reduced thyroid activity, low sex hormone production, adrenal insufficiency, or growth hormone deficiency.

Symptoms may include fatigue, infertility, low libido, weight gain, and reduced stress tolerance.

UK reference interpretation:

• Low: Below laboratory-specific reference range

Normal hormone levels

Normal results suggest appropriate pituitary regulation of thyroid, adrenal, reproductive, and growth-related functions. This indicates balanced endocrine signalling and effective hormonal feedback mechanisms.

Symptoms may still exist if target glands are resistant or if hormonal fluctuations occur.

UK reference interpretation:

• Normal: Within laboratory-specific reference ranges

High hormone levels

Elevated pituitary hormone levels may reflect excessive stimulation of target glands or compensatory response to gland underactivity. In some cases, high levels may suggest pituitary adenomas or endocrine feedback disruption.

Further clinical evaluation may be required depending on which hormones are elevated.

UK reference interpretation:

• High: Above laboratory-specific reference range