Hormonal assays should be conducted when there are clinical signs or symptoms suggesting an endocrine disorder. For example, a child presenting with short stature, delayed puberty, or rapid weight gain may require a hormonal evaluation. Other indications include symptoms of hypothyroidism (e.g., fatigue, weight gain) or hyperthyroidism (e.g., weight loss, palpitations), and signs of adrenal insufficiency (e.g., fatigue, muscle weakness).
