growth hormone test

Growth hormone is a peptide hormone that aids in stimulating growth, cell reproduction and cell regeneration in human. It is also called somatotropin and human growth hormone (HGH). The growth hormone is synthesized, stored and secreted by the somatotropic cells of the pituitary gland. Growth hormone also serves as a stress hormone and raises the volume of glucose and free fatty acids.

Due to certain factors the growth hormone levels get disturbed. The abnormal levels of human growth hormone (HGH) cause varied health conditions. 

The main cause of elevated growth hormone is pituitary tumour composed of the somatotropic cells. These tumours are benign and grow slowly and overtime keep producing excess human growth hormone. The excess human growth hormone (HGH) can result in gigantism, acromegaly, headaches, impaired vision and can result in the deficiency of pituitary hormone.

Growth hormone deficiency is mainly caused by alterations in the somatomedin. It can result in growth failure, short stature and delayed sexual maturity in children. Although this deficiency is a rarity but it can result in weaker bones and osteoporosis.

The common growth hormone deficiency symptom are as follows;

• Shorter stature and chubbier kids
• Delayed puberty
• Reduced bone strength

Some of the psychological symptoms of HGH deficiency are;

• Depression
• Lack of concentration
• Low memory
• Anxiety
• Emotional Distress

Growth hormone deficiency treatment mainly involves synthetic growth hormone injections given directly into the fatty tissues. The long term treatment involves being treated with growth hormone until the child reaches puberty.

The growth hormone injection cost ranges in the higher side and can be expensive looking at its need in a long term treatment.

A Growth hormone stimulation test is done to assess whether the pituitary gland is producing optimum levels of growth hormone or not. 

• The growth hormone test requires fasting after midnight that means no breakfast or fluids except for normal water.
• This Human growth hormone test should not be carried out if the person is sick
• Inform the doctor about any allergies
• Also inform the doctor about any medications being used as certain kind of medication can lead to false test results

The Growth hormone stimulating test or growth hormone test is a long procedure and can take up to 6 hours to complete. In the test an IV line will be started and blood samples will be drawn out from the IV itself and L – Arginine and Cortrosyn. The blood samples can be drawn every 30 minutes for up to 4 hours.

The growth hormone test is advised if the following factors are noticed;

• Slow Growth
• Short Stature
• Delayed Development
• Decreased bone density
• Elevated blood lipid levels
• Symptoms of excessive GH
• Symptoms of HGH deficiency

The growth hormone normal range in a healthy Men < 5 ng/mL or < 226 pmol/L 

For women the growth hormone normal range is  < 10 ng/mL or < 452 pmol/L

For children the growth hormone normal range is 0-20 ng/mL or 0-904 pmol/L

We offer a high quality at – home healthcare services, wherein you can have doctor’s consultation, nursing care services, rehabilitative therapies and wide range of pathological tests all delivered to you at the comfort of your home. 

So, if you need any sort of healthcare services just give us a call and let our well trained professionals take care of your medical needs. You can either contact us through our website or give us a call and we will be at your doorstep at a time and day of your convenience.