Topic overview

Start with the big picture

H–P axis pharmacology spans several distinct groups: growth hormone and IGF-1 agents, somatostatin analogs, a growth hormone receptor antagonist, dopamine agonists, GnRH agonists and antagonists, gonadotropins, ACTH and TSH analogs, and posterior pituitary agents. Their applications include hormone replacement, management of acromegaly and hyperprolactinemia, fertility treatment, and diagnostic testing for adrenal insufficiency. Clinical use also requires attention to class-specific risks. Examples include hypoglycemia with mecasermin, gallstones or bradycardia with somatostatin analogs, and reduced bone mineral density with continuous GnRH agonist treatment. The deeper lesson organizes these therapies by class, prototype, mechanism, indication, adverse effects, and practical clinical considerations.