What is the Growth Hormone Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is a growth hormone test?
It is a test through which the amount of GH, i.e., growth hormone made in the body, is measured. Growth hormones control the body’s growth and metabolism. It also fluctuates throughout the day based on one’s diet and physical activity.
Also Read: Growth Hormone Deficiency
What is the function of growth hormones?
Also known as human growth hormone is responsible for controlling the growth of the body.it is made in the pituitary gland situated at the base of the brain. It has the following functions:
- Development of muscle mass
- Bone health
- Height
- Growth of bones and body
What are the other names of the test?
Other names include:
- Growth hormone stimulation test
- GH test
- Somatotropin test
- Human growth hormone test
- Growth hormone suppression test
What is the normal range for GH?
For adult males: 0.4 ng/ml – 10 ng/ml
For adult females: 1 ng/ml – 14 ng/ml
For children: 10 ng/ml – 50 ng/ml
What are the types of tests done to check GH?
There are two types of tests done to check GH levels based on the symptoms produced which are:
- GH stimulation test: it is done to check GH deficiency
- GH suppression test: it is done to check GH excess
What is the need for the test?
This test is used to diagnose the following if present:
- Acromegaly (adults having too much GH)
- Anomalies of the pituitary gland
- GH deficiency (children with less GH)
- Gigantism (childhood disorder with too much GH)
What are the symptoms of GH deficiency in children?
The symptoms include:
- Small penis in males
- Slow growth compared to children of the similar age
- Delayed puberty
- Low body weight
- Shorter height, legs, and arms
What are the symptoms of GH excess in children?
The symptoms include:
- Excessive growth compared to children of similar age
- Obesity
- Larger head
- Larger than normal feet and hands
What are the symptoms of GH excess in adults?
The symptoms include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Deep voice
- Body odour and excessive sweating
- Coarse, oily skin
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Larger than normal facial features (such as nose, lips, and tongue)
- Bone thickening
What happens during the GH stimulation test?
During the test, a small sample of blood is collected through a vein in a vial. Then the child is given medicine through IV that will stimulate GH hormone production through the pituitary. Then for 2 hrs. more blood samples are collected and then each sample is tested for an increase in GH.
What happens during the GH suppression test?
During the test, a small sample of blood is collected through a vein in a vial. Then the child is given a solution of water and glucose to drink. After 2 hrs. two samples are again taken and it is checked if GH has decreased or not.
Is there any preparation to be done before the test?
Fasting, which includes not drinking or eating for several hours, is required before the test.
How is the result of the test interpreted?
- If GH levels don’t increase to a certain amount in the GH stimulation test: GH deficiency is present
- If GH levels don’t decrease to a certain amount in the GH suppression test: Acromegaly, Gigantism or pituitary tumour may be present
What are the other associated tests?
Other tests include:
- IGF-1 test: A hormone that manages GH levels.
- IGBP-3 test: A protein that carries IGF-1
