Growth Hormone Test
Growth Hormone Test
The Growth Hormone test or human growth hormone test(hGH) measures the amount of growth hormone present in the blood.
Growth hormone (GH) is one of several hormones made by the pituitary gland (present at the base of the brain) that controls human growth and body metabolism. In children, particularly, this hormone, along with exercise, proper nutrition, and rest, plays a crucial role in bone growth, muscle mass, and height.
The test is recommended when there is abnormal body development, slow growth, low muscle mass, or bone density. It is also performed for conditions like gigantism in children and acromegaly in adults.
Symptoms of Growth Hormone disorders:
People who have growth hormone abnormalities can experience various physiological effects.
Symptoms of GH deficiency
In Children
Compared to normal kids of the same age, children with GH deficiency often manifest the following symptoms:
- Growth failure and muscle weakness
- Delayed mental development
- Late onset of puberty
In adults
The deficit of growth hormone often leads to
- Tiredness
- Decreased bone density and muscle mass
Symptoms of GH excess
In children
- Overly large head with prominent forehead and jaw
- Large hands and feet with thick fingers and toes
- Enlarged internal organs like the heart
- Sleep apnea
- Headache
- Joint pain and muscle weakness
In adults
- Deep coarse voice
- Oily thickened skin
- Large facial attributes such as nose, lips, and tongue
- Large hands and Feet
- Profuse sweating
- Vision issue
- Reproductive problems ( e.g., irregular menstrual cycle in women and erectile dysfunction in men)
What is the Growth Hormone test Used For?
The Growth hormone test is used
To diagnose growth hormone disorders like Agromegaly, gigantism, and GH deficiency
To check the activity of pituitary gland
To access treatment efficacy in acromegaly
Which Tests are Included in Growth HormoneTest?
Upon taking a blood sample, it is tested for
Insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF)test:
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This screening test is ordered simultaneously with the GH serum test to know the levels of IGF in the blood. IGF is a hormone that manages the effect of GH on the bone and other body tissues. The main advantage of using this test is the stability of IGF over GH in the blood, and you'll need only one blood sample to do both tests
GH suppression test:
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This test is not a routine screening procedure. It is done to diagnose GH excess by determining if high blood sugar can suppress increased GH production. During this suppression test, the patient will be asked to drink a glucose solution, and their GH levels is measured at different intervals against expected levels. Usually, glucose will lower GH load. But if it fails, excessive GH leads to gigantism in children and acromegaly in adults
GH stimulation test:
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This test aims to assist your doctor in diagnosing GH deficiency and hypopituitarism (a decrease in pituitary function). During this test, a medication (e.g., Clonidine) that triggers the body to release GH is administered under close supervision. Blood samples are drawn at timed intervals, and the level of GH is measured
Test preparation
Follow your doctor's instructions related to diet, whether or not you can eat before the test. In addition, avoid prescription medicines and supplements, as these factors can interfere with the results
Interpretation of the Test Results
The test results for growth hormone may vary among the different laboratories based on the measurement methods used.
Positive result (Abnormal value)
It confirms the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in the GH stimulation test, while the GH suppression test detects acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children.
The result also implies decreased pituitary function (hypopituitarism), tumor, or brain injury.
Negative results(Normal value)
This test result indicates that your growth hormone levels (high or low) did not change after the medication challenge. A retest is necessary to confirm the diagnosis
FAQs
Why Growth Hormone Test is needed?
The growth hormone test is needed if a child has symptoms like short stature, delayed motor development, improper height-to-weight ratio, or displays symptoms of gigantism. Whereas for adults, the test is done when an individual complains of decreased bone density and/or muscle strength
What are the risks involved in doing a Growth Hormone test?
There are some mild risks involved when the blood is drawn. These may include:
· Feeling dizzy and lightheadedness
· Feeling of tiredness
Slight pain and bruising at the needle spot
Is it necessary to give multiple blood samples to do a Growth Hormone test?3. Is it necessary to give multiple blood samples to do a Growth Hormone test?
As the release of GH is pulsatile and clears rapidly, its levels in the blood fluctuate throughout the day, making the interpretation of a single blood sample difficult. By taking multiple blood samples, the circulating GH levels can be estimated better, aiding the diagnosis of various GH disorders
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