GLOSSARY

Locate the disturbance

Primary disorders originate mainly in the peripheral gland, while secondary disorders usually involve pituitary regulation. Hormone resistance affects target responsiveness. The appropriate upstream response helps interpret the pattern, but illness, medicines and assay interference can complicate a simple model.

Specific considerations

Age, adiposity, nutrition and illness affect the GH–IGF-1 system, and random GH measurement is generally insufficient to diagnose deficiency.

Symptoms and paired measurements

Fatigue, weight change and poor performance are nonspecific. Endocrine evaluation connects symptoms, examination, appropriately selected tests and, where indicated, imaging or dynamic assessment. A single abnormal hormone does not independently establish the underlying diagnosis.