Growth Hormone Blood Test Panel

A Growth Hormone Blood Test Panel includes a Human Growth Hormone (HGH) serum and Insulin-Growth Hormone (IGF1).

Description

Growth Hormone Panel includes:

Human Growth Hormone (HGH is a pituitary function test useful to diagnose hypothalamic disorder, hypopituitarism, acromegaly, and ectopic growth hormone production by neoplasm.)is one of several endocrine hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, melatonin and DHEA that decline in production as we age. As the name suggests, human Growth Hormone is an endocrine hormone that makes humans grow. HGH is a complex protein molecule of 191 amino acids that are linked in a specific sequence and is secreted in pulses by the pituitary gland. These pulses vary between 10 and 30 per day and the pulses can be strengthened by exercise. Doctors have often prescribed HGH for children who needed a growth boost however growth deficiencies do not just affect children, they can be a significant problem for adults as well. HGH is critical for tissue repair, muscle growth, healing, bone strength, brain function, physical and mental health, energy, and metabolism. The rate that HGH is produced at peaks during adolescence, at time when normal growth is accelerated and production of HGH will decrease with age, 14% each year on average. While GH is not as active in adults, it aids in regulating bone density, muscle mass, and lipid metabolism. Deficiencies can lead to decreased less muscle mass, bone densities, and altered lipid levels.

Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) is ordered to help diagnose the cause of growth abnormalities and to evaluate pituitary function. Somatomedin-C (SC) which is produced in the liver in response to stimulation by growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland is an insulin-like growth factor level that is used to evaluate disturbances of growth and to monitor treatment with growth hormones.