The goal with endocrine gland testing is to identify the hormone(s) that are being over- or under-produced, to determine which gland(s) are involved, and to determine the cause. This may involve measuring hormone levels and their metabolites in the blood and/or urine. It may also involve stimulation or suppression testing to evaluate hormone production and/or its “upstream” hormone stimulation (to find out if it is the gland itself that is dysfunctional or if it is due to dysfunction by the gland preceding it). If a tumor is suspected, then imaging scans may be used to help locate the tumor. If symptoms are suspected to be due to an inherited condition, then genetic testing may be recommended. Patients often see an endocrinologist (an endocrine gland specialist) to help them determine the appropriate testing and treatment. Related testing on this site includes:

Laboratory Tests

Non-Laboratory Tests