Gonadotropins, Gonadal Steroids, SHBG, and Related Labs

This chapter discusses the interpretation of gonadotropins, gonadal steroids, and other related labs that are used in the assessment of pubertal disorders, atypical genitalia, hyperandrogenism, and hypopituitarism. Understanding the physiology of these hormones during infancy, childhood, and puberty is critical to appropriate interpretation of laboratory results, as is the use of age- and sex-specific reference ranges. Additionally, appreciation of assay limitations, particularly in the case of immunoassays for testosterone, is critical to an appropriate evaluation.