Growth hormone & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is growth hormone?

A growth hormone (GH) test measures the amount of GH in the blood. GH is produced by the pituitary gland and is needed for growth. GH has an important role in how the body uses food for energy (metabolism). The amount of GH in the blood changes on a daily basis and is affected by exercise, sleep, stress and diet. Too much GH in childhood can cause the child to grow taller than normal (gigantism). Too little GH in childhood can cause the child to grow less than normal (dwarfism). Both conditions can be treated if they are caught early.

In adults, too much GH is caused by a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland (adenoma). Too much GH can cause the bones of the face, jaw, hands, and feet to grow larger than normal (acromegaly). Growth hormone can cause the release of other substances (factors) that affect growth and metabolism. One of which is insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). When the GH level is very high, the IGF-1 level is also very high. A test for IGF-1 can also be done to confirm high levels of GH.

When should I take growth hormone?

Growth hormone tests are performed on children when there are signs and symptoms of growth hormone deficiency (GHD), such as:

• growth rate that slows down in early childhood
• shorter body than other kids the same age
• late puberty
• delayed bone development (can be seen on x-rays)

Stimulation tests can be done in adults when there are signs and symptoms of GHD and / or hypopituitarism, such as:

• lack of bone density
• fatigue
• lipid reverse changes, such as high cholesterol
• lack of tolerance for exercise

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking growth hormone?

Because GH is released by the pituitary gland in large quantities at one time (bursts), measuring the GH level in a sample collected at an indefinite time is not very useful. There is too much overlap between abnormal results and normal daily variations. GH levels will usually be high in the morning and increase with exercise and stress.

Factors that can affect a GH test include:

• drugs that can increase GH (example: amphetamine, arginine, dopamine, estrogen, glucagon, histamine, insulin, levodopa, methyldopa, and nicotinic acid)
• drugs that can lower GH levels (example: corticosteroids and phenothiazines)

It should be noted that most cases of shortness are not caused by a lack of GH. These conditions can be related to family characteristics, various conditions and diseases, and other genetic disorders. It is important that you know the warnings and precautions before taking this test. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before taking growth hormone?

Whichever type of growth hormone test is referred, it is important to follow the instructions for the preparation. Your doctor may ask you to:

• fasting several hours before the test
• using the medicines that were prescribed several days before the test
• exercising before the test
• stopping medication that could affect the test results.

How does growth hormone process?

Growth hormone (GH) levels can change rapidly, so more than one blood sample can be taken on different days. IGF-1 levels change more slowly, and will probably be the first test done.

The health care provider who takes the blood sample will:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after taking growth hormone?

Elastic belts that tie around your upper arms can feel tight. You may not feel anything when you draw the blood with the needle, or you may feel a slight sting, or a pinching sensation. You can remove the bandage and cotton in 20 to 30 minutes. You will be notified of the date the test results are due. The doctor will explain what the test results mean. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal :

The normal scores listed on this list (called range references should only serve as a guide. These ranges vary from laboratory to laboratory, and your laboratory may have different normal scores. Your laboratory report will usually list what range they use. Your doctor it will also check your test results based on your health condition and other factors.This means that if your test results fall within the abnormal range in this guide, it could be in your laboratory or for your condition the score falls into the normal range.

Growth hormone (GH)
Men	Less than 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng / Ml) (less than 226 picomoles per liter)
Woman	Less than 10 ng / mL (less than 452 pmol / L)
Children	Less than 20 ng / mL (less than 904 pmol / L)

High Score

A high GH level may indicate gigantism or acromegaly (a disorder of excess hormones that results in larger bones). This condition is caused by a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland (adenoma). IGF-1 levels should also be high.

High levels of GH can also be caused by diabetes, kidney disease, or starvation. These conditions do not cause high levels of IGF-1.

Low Score

A low GH level indicates:

• GH deficiency
• hypopituitarism (low function of the pituitary gland)