Other Hormonal Excess

Specialty Area: Pituitary Center

Excess of FSH and LH causing specific syndromes is exceedingly rare. Excessive production of TSH is also rare, and it can cause over activity of the thyroid gland. In these cases (contrarily to most cases of hyperthyroidism), blood TSH levels are not low.

Diagnostic Process
Diagnosis of hormonal excess is based on a patient’s individual symptoms and medical history. The specialists at the Johns Hopkins Pituitary Tumor Center will utilize a number of diagnostic technologies and methods, which may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a single blood draw, or more complex hormonal, dynamic testing.

Treatment Options
The decision for the best approach to treatment for hormonal excess is made only after a review by the Pituitary Tumor Center’s multi-disciplinary faculty. Depending on the condition and specific factors including the patient’s age, previous medical history and overall health, we may recommend a variety of different treatment options. Sometimes the best course of action is to observe symptoms over time reserving intervention at a later time only if the symptoms worsen. Other times, surgery is needed at the time of diagnosis. In selected cases, medical therapy can control the symptoms.