OVERVIEW:
What is the growth hormone (HGH) lab test?
Growth hormone lab test is a blood test that measures the level of human growth hormone circulating in the blood.
Why is the growth hormone (HGH) lab test done?
A growth hormone (HGH) lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose growth hormone deficiency,
- Diagnose growth hormone excess,
- Evaluate pituitary gland function,
- Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for excess growth hormone.
What does the growth hormone (HGH) lab test measure?
A growth hormone (HGH) lab test measures the amount of human growth hormone circulating in the blood. Human growth hormone controls growth and chemical reactions in our body. Human growth hormone is essential for normal growth and development in children.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
What are the causes behind decreased level of growth hormone?
Low levels of growth hormone indicate possible dwarfism (short stature), slow growth, and hypopituitarism (decreased pituitary gland function).
What are the causes behind increased level of growth hormone?
Increased levels of growth hormone indicate possible acromegaly (gigantism), gigantism, or tumor.
How should I prepare for this test?
Your doctor may recommend you to fast for 12 hours before this test. Your doctor may recommend you to stop taking certain medicines before the test.
What are the symptoms of low growth hormone level?
People with low growth hormone levels may feel tired and lack stamina. They may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Those with growth hormone deficiency may experience certain psychological effects, including: depression. lack of concentration.
INTERPRETATIONS
The normal range for GH level is typical:
GH is released in pulses. The size and duration of the pulses vary with time of day, age, and gender. This is why random GH measurements are rarely useful. A higher level may be normal For adult males -- 0.4 to 10 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), or 18 to 44 picomoles per liter (pmol/L)
- For adult females -- 1 to 14 ng/mL, or 44 to 616 pmol/L
- For children -- 10 to 50 ng/mL, or 440 to 2200 pmol/L
if the blood was drawn during a pulse. A lower level may be normal if the blood was drawn around the end of a pulse. GH is most useful when measured as part of a stimulation or suppression test.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different specimens. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A high level of GH may indicate:
Too much GH in adults called acromegaly. (A special test is done to confirm this diagnosis.)
Abnormal growth due to excess GH during childhood called gigantism. (A special test is done to confirm this diagnosis.)
- GH resistance.
- Pituitary tumor.
A low level of GH may indicate:
Slow growth noticed in infancy or childhood, caused by low levels of GH. (A special test is done to confirm this diagnosis.)
Hypopituitarism (a low function of the pituitary gland).
Why the Test is Performed?
This hormone may be checked if a person's growth pattern is abnormal or if another condition is suspected.
- Too much growth hormone (GH) can cause abnormally increased growth of patterns. In adults, this is called acromegaly. And in children, it is called gigantism.
- Too little growth hormone can cause a slow or flat rate of growth in children. In adults, it can sometimes cause changes in energy, muscle mass, cholesterol levels, and bone strength.
- The GH test may also be used to monitor response to acromegaly treatment.