Pituitary hormone replacement

Hypopituitarism is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Hormone replacement therapies are available for effective treatment of anterior pituitary deficiencies of growth hormone: adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. The posterior pituitary antidiuretic hormone can also be replaced. The aim of replacement therapy is to mimic as far as possible the normal physiology of the hormone and to avoid over-treatment. Currently available hormone preparations and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.