combined pituitary stimulation test

Last reviewed 01/2018

The combined pituitary stimulation test is a method for simultaneously assessing hypofunction of anterior pituitary hormones - GH, ACTH, FSH, LH, TSH, and prolactin.

Insulin, GnRH, and TRH are all injected intravenously and the level of pituitary hormones from repeated blood samples taken over a 2 hour period is measured. Blood glucose levels are monitored to ensure the adequacy of the hypoglycaemia.

Hypofunction is confirmed by the lack of response of the appropriate hormone:

• GH, ACTH - lack of response to insulin
• FSH, LH - lack of response to GnRH
• TSH, prolactin - lack of response to TRH