Growth hormone is a peptide hormone that aids in stimulating growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans.
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.
High Levels Of Growth Hormone
The main cause of elevated growth hormone is a pituitary tumor composed of somatotropic cells. These tumors are benign and grow slowly and over time keep producing excess human growth hormone. Excess human growth hormone (HGH) can result in gigantism, acromegaly, headaches, and impaired vision and can result in the deficiency of the pituitary hormone.
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency is mainly caused by alterations in somatomedin. It can result in growth failure, short stature, and delayed sexual maturity in children. Although this deficiency is a rarity it can result in weaker bones and osteoporosis.
Growth Hormone Deficiency Symptoms
The common growth hormone deficiency symptom is 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
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 on the higher side and can be expensive looking at its need in long-term treatment.
Growth Hormone Stimulation Test
A Growth hormone stimulation test is done to assess whether the pituitary gland is producing optimum levels of growth hormone or not.
Growth Hormone Test Preparation
The growth hormone test requires fasting after midnight which 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 kinds of medication can lead to false test results
Growth Hormone Test Procedure
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.
When To Get Tested For Growth Hormone
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
Growth Hormone Normal Range
- The growth hormone normal range in 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
Contact us to learn more about the HGH testing and HGH replacement therapy for adults.