The influence of pituitary, adrenal, and parathyroid hormones on hemostasis and thrombosis.

Endocrine disorders can influence the hemostatic balance. Abnormal coagulation test results have been observed in patients with abnormal hormone levels. The present review updates the available evidence on the influence of pituitary, adrenal, and parathyroid hormones on the coagulation and the fibrinolytic system, and their possible clinical implications. The literature supports a possible relevant clinical effect of the imbalance between coagulation and fibrinolysis on thrombotic events in endogenous Cushing's syndrome. An effect on markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis has been shown for hyperprolactinemia, growth hormone excess or deficiency, exogenous hypercortisolism, pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism, and hyperparathyroidism. However, the clinical relevance is still unproven. Until definitive evidence is available, clinicians should be aware of the possibility that endocrine disorders may be risk factors for thrombotic events. © Thieme Medical Publishers.