When is a patient ordered to have a GH Growth Hormone test?

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1. What is GH Growth Hormone Test?

Growth Hormone (GH) is a single-chain peptide hormone consisting of 191 amino acid residues, essential for normal growth and development in children. In addition, GH hormone also helps promote proper bone growth, regulates the rate of energy production from food, synthesizes fats, proteins, glucose, regulates red blood cell production and increases mass. muscle volume.
The GH test is a test that helps to evaluate the blood growth hormone levels to identify GH deficiency and to help evaluate pituitary function, monitor the results of other abnormal pituitary hormone tests. It should be noted that the hormone GH is released into the bloodstream in bursts throughout the day and night with the highest levels mainly at night. Therefore, the values ​​will be higher if the sample is taken in one pulse and lower if taken in a period between pulses.

2. Meaning of GH test

Quantitative GH hormone test is quite popular and is often used for the following purposes:
Assessing the deficiency of GH corresponding to the function of the pituitary gland; Evaluation of GH excess for the diagnosis and follow-up of treatment of gigantism and acromegaly; GH stimulation test helps diagnose GH deficiency and hypopituitarism; GH and IGF-1 suppression tests can be used to monitor treatment of a GH-producing pituitary tumor before and after surgery as well as tumor recurrence. Clinical significance of GH stimulation test:
If after stimulation the GH level is still lower than the required level and the patient has signs and symptoms of GH deficiency, has a low level of IGF-1 then the person has a GH deficiency and needs to be treated
Clinical significance of a GH suppression test:
If a person's GH level remains above what is needed after suppression and the person has signs , which is a symptom of GH excess (geriatric, acromegaly), high levels of IGF-1 mean the person is producing too much GH. The cause may be a pituitary tumor that will be detected through X-ray, CT scan or MRI.

3. When is a GH test ordered?

GH stimulation test will be ordered in children who have signs and symptoms of GH deficiency such as:
Growth rate slows down compared to childhood; Smaller in stature than children of his age; Late puberty; Slow bone growth. For adults, the GH stimulation test is indicated when the patient has the following manifestations of GH deficiency or hypopituitarism:
Decreased bone density; Tired; High cholesterol ; Decreased exercise tolerance. GH suppression testing is uncommon and is performed only in cases where there are signs of GH excess, such as gigantism or acromegaly. In addition, a GH suppression test will be indicated in the following cases:
Pituitary tumor is suspected to cause excess GH. Monitor for recurrence of GH abnormalities in cases of GH excess.

4. How much hormone GH is normal?

Blood GH values ​​are considered normal when:
In neonates: < 5-40 ng/mL or 226-1808 pmmol/L In children: < 0-20 ng/mL or 0-904 pmmol/L In adults: male: <5 ng/mL or 226 pmmol/L female: < 10 ng/mL or 452 pmmol/L The assessment of pituitary function is very important, contributing significantly to the diagnosis of some diseases. in the pituitary gland. You should choose reputable medical facilities for testing.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.
To register for testing at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact the nationwide Vinmec Health System Hotline, or register online HERE.