In hypopituitarism/Simmond's syndrome, which hormones are most commonly deficient?

• A. Growth hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone
• B. ACTH, TSH, and prolactin
• C. Antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin
• D. Aldosterone and cortisol

Answer: (A)

In hypopituitarism, the anterior pituitary fails to secrete several hormones, with growth hormone and the gonadotropins (FSH and LH) most commonly affected. Growth hormone is particularly susceptible to pituitary injury, so its deficiency is often one of the earliest and most consistent findings. Deficiency of FSH and LH leads to hypogonadism, causing reduced sexual development and fertility issues.

Posterior pituitary hormones (ADH and oxytocin) are stored and released from a different part of the pituitary system, and their deficiency is not the typical pattern in this condition, so they’re not the hallmark of hypopituitarism. Aldosterone is largely regulated by the RAAS rather than the pituitary, and while cortisol can be low if ACTH is deficient, the combination of GH with FSH/LH deficiencies best reflects the common hormonal loss seen in hypopituitarism, making that trio the most characteristic.