Question 1

What is growth hormone deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Growth hormone deficiency is a condition where the pituitary gland produces insufficient growth hormone, affecting growth in children and metabolism in adults. It is caused by damage to the pituitary gland from tumors, radiation, surgery, infections, or genetic mutations affecting hormone production. The IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) test is the most important test for diagnosis because it provides a stable marker of growth hormone activity throughout the day.

Question 2

What causes growth hormone deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Growth hormone deficiency is caused by damage or dysfunction of the pituitary gland, which is responsible for producing growth hormone. Specific causes include pituitary tumors, traumatic brain injury, radiation therapy to the brain, surgery near the pituitary gland, infections like meningitis, or congenital conditions where the pituitary gland fails to develop properly. In some cases, genetic mutations affecting the growth hormone gene or the hormone receptors can prevent normal production or function, leading to deficiency from birth or early childhood.

Question 3

What is the best test for growth hormone deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) test is the most important test for growth hormone deficiency because it measures a stable protein that directly reflects growth hormone activity in the body. Unlike growth hormone itself, which fluctuates dramatically throughout the day and during sleep, IGFBP-3 levels remain consistent, making it a reliable marker for diagnosis. This test detects the protein that carries insulin-like growth factors through the bloodstream, and low IGFBP-3 levels strongly indicate that the growth hormone system is not functioning properly. Healthcare providers often use this test alongside clinical evaluation and growth measurements to confirm the diagnosis.

Question 4

When should I get tested for growth hormone deficiency?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice slow growth in children compared to peers, delayed puberty, low energy and fatigue that does not improve with rest, increased body fat especially around the waist, decreased muscle mass and strength, or poor bone density. Adults with unexplained fatigue, difficulty building muscle despite exercise, weight gain, or a history of pituitary problems should also consider testing. If you have had brain surgery, radiation therapy, or a head injury, testing is important even without obvious symptoms, as growth hormone deficiency can develop gradually over time.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency vary by age. Children may experience noticeably slower growth rates, shorter stature compared to siblings or peers, delayed tooth development, a younger-looking face, increased fat around the abdomen, and delayed puberty. Adults typically experience chronic fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, increased body fat especially around the waist, decreased muscle mass and strength, reduced bone density, anxiety or depression, and difficulty concentrating. Both children and adults may have low blood sugar episodes and slower recovery from illness or injury.

Question 6

Who is at risk for growth hormone deficiency?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those with pituitary tumors or who have undergone pituitary surgery, individuals who received radiation therapy to the brain or head, people with traumatic brain injuries, and those born with genetic conditions affecting the pituitary gland. Children with abnormal brain development, severe head trauma, or infections like meningitis are also at increased risk. Additionally, adults who had childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency often continue to have low levels into adulthood and require ongoing monitoring. Family history of pituitary disorders can also increase risk.

Question 7

What happens if growth hormone deficiency is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated growth hormone deficiency in children leads to permanent short stature, delayed sexual development, and reduced bone density that persists into adulthood. In adults, the condition causes progressive muscle loss, increased body fat and obesity, weakened bones leading to osteoporosis and fractures, elevated cholesterol and increased cardiovascular disease risk, and chronic fatigue that significantly impacts quality of life. Both children and adults may experience social and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem. Long-term untreated deficiency can also lead to metabolic problems like insulin resistance and increased risk of diabetes.

Question 8

Can growth hormone deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, growth hormone deficiency can be diagnosed with blood tests, though not by measuring growth hormone directly due to its fluctuating levels. The IGFBP-3 test measures a stable protein controlled by growth hormone, providing reliable evidence of deficiency. Healthcare providers may also measure IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), another growth hormone-dependent protein. In some cases, stimulation tests are performed where medication is given to trigger growth hormone release, followed by blood draws to measure the response. These blood tests, combined with growth charts in children and clinical symptoms in adults, allow accurate diagnosis.

Question 9

How is growth hormone deficiency treated?

Accepted Answer

Growth hormone deficiency is treated with synthetic growth hormone replacement therapy administered through daily subcutaneous injections. For children, treatment continues until they reach their final adult height or until growth plates close, typically during late adolescence. Adults require ongoing treatment at lower doses to maintain normal metabolism, bone density, and muscle mass. Treatment is highly individualized based on age, severity of deficiency, and response to therapy. Regular monitoring through blood tests ensures hormone levels are optimized while avoiding side effects. Most patients experience significant improvements in growth, energy, body composition, and quality of life with proper treatment.

Question 10

How can I prevent growth hormone deficiency?

Accepted Answer

While congenital and genetic forms of growth hormone deficiency cannot be prevented, you can reduce acquired risk by protecting your head from injury with helmets during sports and activities, seeking prompt treatment for brain infections, and working closely with oncology teams to minimize radiation exposure to the pituitary area during cancer treatment. If pituitary surgery is necessary, choosing an experienced surgeon can reduce complications. Regular medical checkups help detect pituitary problems early before deficiency becomes severe. Maintaining overall health through adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise supports optimal hormone production, though these measures cannot prevent true deficiency.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support growth hormone function?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure growth hormone deficiency, certain lifestyle practices support natural growth hormone production. Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep is crucial, as growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep. High-intensity interval training and resistance exercises stimulate natural growth hormone release. Avoiding large meals before bedtime helps maximize nighttime hormone production, as elevated insulin suppresses growth hormone. Managing stress through meditation or yoga supports overall endocrine function. Ensuring adequate protein intake provides the building blocks for hormone production. However, these measures complement but do not replace medical treatment for diagnosed deficiency.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Growth Hormone Deficiency Blood Test

What is Growth hormone deficiency?

What causes growth hormone deficiency?

What is the best test for growth hormone deficiency?

When should I get tested for growth hormone deficiency?

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