Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects a problem with your pituitary hormones, he or she will likely order several tests to check hormone levels in your body and search for a cause.

Your doctor may order tests including:

• Blood tests. These tests measure your hormone levels. For example, blood tests can identify low levels of thyroid, adrenal or sex hormones. The tests can determine if these low levels are associated with pituitary hormone production.
• Stimulation or dynamic testing. These tests also measure your hormone levels. Your doctor may suggest that you go to a clinic that specializes in endocrine conditions for these tests. These tests check your body's hormone levels after you've taken certain medications to stimulate hormone production.
• Brain imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or high-resolution computerized tomography (CT) of your brain can detect a pituitary tumor or other pituitary gland problems.
• Vision tests. These tests can determine if growth of a pituitary tumor has impaired your sight or visual fields.