Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The lesson surveys growth hormone axis therapies, including somatropin, mecasermin, somatostatin analogs, and pegvisomant, alongside diagnostic agents such as cosyntropin and thyrotropin alfa. It also covers gonadotropins and GnRH modulators, contrasting continuous and pulsatile agonist effects with the immediate suppression produced by antagonists. Dopamine agonists and oxytocin round out the topic. Across these groups, the key distinctions are why each agent is used and what risks or monitoring concerns shape its use—for example, hypoglycemia with mecasermin, an initial hormonal flare with GnRH agonists, and liver-function monitoring with pegvisomant. This preview introduces the structure; the full lesson develops each drug group in greater detail.