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Pituitary & Adrenal Health

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The pituitary and adrenal glands are central regulators of hormone production, playing a pivotal role in maintaining your body’s hormonal balance and overall health. The pituitary gland, often referred to as the “master gland,” controls the function of other glands within the endocrine system, while the adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, immune function, and energy levels. Dysfunction in these glands can lead to a range of hormonal imbalances affecting multiple body systems, often before any noticeable symptoms appear.

Your doctor may recommend a Pituitary & Adrenal Health Test if you experience chronic fatigue, persistent stress, unexplained changes in weight, low blood pressure, dizziness, irregular menstrual cycles, reduced libido, fertility concerns, mood swings, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. By analysing these symptoms alongside blood test results, your doctor can gain a detailed understanding of your endocrine function and identify potential hormone imbalances. Early detection enables personalised strategies, including lifestyle adjustments, dietary recommendations, stress management, and medical interventions, aimed at restoring hormonal equilibrium.

Hormonespituitary & adrenal panel
48 hrsresults turnaround
GPled interpretation
UKASaccredited lab

Why a Pituitary & Adrenal test matters

Your pituitary and adrenal glands sit at the heart of your hormone system — the pituitary acts as the "master gland," directing others, while the adrenals manage your stress response and energy. When these glands are out of balance, the effects can be wide-ranging: fatigue, weight and mood changes, poor stress tolerance and reproductive symptoms.

This panel measures key pituitary and adrenal hormones to help explain what's going on. Hormone levels vary through the day and across the cycle, so timing matters — and every result is reviewed and explained by a GP.

What's included in your Pituitary & Adrenal test

Six key hormones across your adrenal and pituitary glands.

Adrenal hormones
  • Cortisol — a hormone essential for the stress response, metabolism and immune regulation.
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) — supports adrenal function and overall hormone balance.
Pituitary hormones
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) — regulates reproductive function and fertility.
  • Luteinising Hormone (LH) — stimulates hormone production in the ovaries and testes.
  • Prolactin — influences reproductive health and lactation.
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) — monitors pituitary control of thyroid function.

What this panel can help investigate

Stress & energyCortisol and DHEA-S, central to your stress response and vitality.
Pituitary signallingFSH and LH, showing how the pituitary directs other glands.
Reproductive hormonesInsight relevant to fertility and reproductive symptoms.
Thyroid controlTSH, reflecting how the pituitary manages your thyroid.

How it works

Book onlineChoose a time that suits you, or call us. Most checks can be booked online.
Quick blood sampleA short, comfortable appointment at one of our clinical sites — around 15 minutes.
Expert lab analysisYour sample is processed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory.
GP-reviewed resultsWithin 48 hours, a GP reviews and explains your results — with clear, personalised advice.

Is this test right for you?

It's a helpful choice if you have:

Persistent fatigueLow energy or exhaustion you can't quite explain.
Weight or mood changesUnexplained changes that could be hormonal.
Stress-related symptomsWanting insight into your stress hormones.
Reproductive symptomsHormonal symptoms affecting your cycle or fertility.

Why choose Solasta

GP interpretation, not softwareEvery result is reviewed and explained by an experienced local GP — so you know what it means and what to do next.
Accurate, accredited resultsAnalysed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for reliable, fast diagnostics.
Continuity of careMore than a one-off test — discreet, unhurried care with ongoing support and follow-up if needed.

What to know before your appointment

Book a morning appointment

Cortisol and several of these hormones are naturally highest in the morning (cortisol is usually measured around 9am), so a morning slot gives the most reliable result.

Rest & avoid stress beforehand

Prolactin and cortisol rise with stress and physical activity. Try to arrive calm and rested, and avoid strenuous exercise in the hours before your appointment.

Cycle timing (if relevant)

If you have periods, FSH and LH vary across your cycle — your GP may advise testing on a specific day. Let us know and we can guide you.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a common component of many multivitamins and is also available as a standalone supplement. Biotin is known to interfere with laboratory testing and can affect various blood results. Unless prescribed by your doctor, we recommend stopping supplementation at least 48 hours prior to testing. If the supplement has been prescribed, please speak with your doctor before stopping.

Pituitary & Adrenal FAQs

What does this test measure?
Adrenal hormones (cortisol and DHEA-S) and pituitary hormones (FSH, LH, prolactin and TSH), giving insight into your stress, energy and reproductive hormone systems.
Why is a morning appointment recommended?
Cortisol and several of these hormones peak in the morning, so a morning sample (cortisol is usually taken around 9am) gives the most accurate picture.
Should I rest before the test?
Yes. Prolactin and cortisol can rise with stress and exercise, so arrive calm and avoid strenuous activity beforehand.
Do I need to fast?
Fasting isn't usually required, but a morning appointment is recommended. We'll confirm any specific instructions when you book.
How long do results take?
Results are typically ready within 48 hours of your sample reaching the laboratory, after which a GP reviews and explains them.
Will a doctor explain my results?
Yes. Your results are interpreted by an experienced GP with personalised guidance and any recommended next steps.
How is the sample taken?
A simple blood sample is taken at one of our clinical sites in a short, comfortable appointment of around 15 minutes.

Related checks & services

Thyroid HealthA focused look at how your thyroid is functioning.
Female Hormonal HealthThe key reproductive hormones with a urinalysis screen.
Male Hormonal HealthA focused panel of the key male hormones.
Private GP appointmentDiscuss your results and next steps with an experienced local GP.
Ready to understand your health?
Book your Pituitary & Adrenal test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.

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