HGH Deficiency Blood Testing in Adults
A hormone doctor will order HGH deficiency blood testing if you have symptoms of growth hormone deficiency. The signs of GH deficiency in adults are very different to those seen in children, and testing is also different.
Whereas children will undergo a multi-hour growth hormone stimulation test, most adults do not require that as a form of diagnosis. Your blood tests will likely measure insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels as a prime predictor of GH secretion. IGF-1, along with the other blood tests the doctor orders, helps determine if you have low growth hormone levels.
What is the connection between IGF-1 and HGH?
Growth hormone is the stimulator of IGF-1 production by the liver. If that organ does not receive enough of a supply of HGH each day, then it will decrease IGF-1 secretion.
Why not just measure HGH for the growth hormone deficiency blood test?
Growth hormone uptake by the body’s tissues occurs rapidly upon secretion into the bloodstream. The pituitary gland releases HGH in a pulsatile burst every 3 to 5 hours. Once it enters the bloodstream, HGH only stays there a few minutes as it races to its various receptors throughout the brain and body. It is difficult to get an accurate reading by measuring HGH levels at one moment in time. However, IGF-1 continues to circulate throughout the bloodstream all day, making it the better predictor.
What Is Involved with HGH Deficiency Blood Testing?
If you have never had a blood test at a lab, we will explain the process. For those of you who have undergone blood testing, you will likely be familiar with the steps. However, we still request that you familiarize yourself with the information in this section about HGH deficiency blood testing. There are some factors you must know to ensure the accuracy of your test results.
Here is how to prepare for your HGH deficiency blood test:
- Begin fasting at midnight of the evening before your blood test. If you eat or drink anything in the morning, it could skew the test results and cause you the added expense of repeating them.
- You will be asked to visit the laboratory first thing in the morning after it opens. This may be as early as 7 or 8 am depending on where you live. A benefit of this is that you will be done with your HGH blood test long before reporting to work.
- Do not take any medications or supplements in the morning before your blood test. If this is a concern, please discuss it with your medical advisor during your consultation.
- Wear a short-sleeved shirt (or one that can be easily rolled up over the elbow) to simplify access to your veins.
Where Do You Get HGH Deficiency Blood Testing?
Most people get their blood drawn at area labs. Some doctor’s offices also draw blood for their patients but charge a fee for that service. Because our hormone clinic provides you with telephone consultations, we obviously do not draw your blood ourselves. To get your HGH deficiency blood testing, we will arrange for you to go to a nearby lab. We have already negotiated prices with a national chain of laboratories, so the process is quick and easy for you to complete.
What is HGH blood testing going to consist of when I arrive at the lab?
Upon arrival, please go to the counter and sign in. You will probably have a short intake form to complete. Then, have a seat and wait for them to call your name. The attendant at the window will likely require your driver’s license or another photo ID to confirm that it is you seeking testing.
After that, you will be called back to a private collection area or room where the lab technician will draw your blood. For those of you unfamiliar with this process, this is what will occur:
- You will sit in a chair that has an armrest
- The technician will ask if you have a preference for the arm to use – some people choose their non-dominant arm for testing
- The lab tech will examine your arm to find a suitable vein
- A large rubber band will be tied around your upper arm to cut off blood flow
- The area above the vein gets sterilized with an alcohol swab before the needle is inserted into the skin and the vein
- A variety of different colored vials will collect samples of your blood for testing
- The technician will release the rubber band, place a cotton swab over the injection site, and pull out the needle
- A bandage will then cover the spot – leave this in place for a few hours
You will then be free to go about your day. We recommend having breakfast or something to eat following your HGH blood test.
What Do HGH Deficiency Blood Testing Results Mean?
Your HGH blood test results will let the doctor know if your body is still producing enough growth hormone for its needs. If so, then other blood panels may shed light on why you have the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance. Since we do check other hormone levels at the same time, these results may provide the necessary answer.
Of course, if your HGH blood test levels are low, then the doctor will prescribe HGH therapy for you. Information gathered during your physical examination with a local doctor, along with the blood test results, will help the hormone physician determine your HGH dosage amount.
For further information about HGH deficiency blood testing, please contact our clinic for a confidential consultation at no charge.