Growth Hormone, Serum is a blood test that measures the level of growth hormone (GH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates growth, metabolism, muscle mass, and bone health. Since GH levels fluctuate throughout the day, this test is often performed alongside stimulation or suppression tests for accurate assessment. It helps diagnose growth hormone deficiency, gigantism, acromegaly, and other disorders related to pituitary gland function.
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test for children with poor growth, adults with symptoms of hormone deficiency, or individuals showing signs of excessive growth hormone production.
The test helps evaluate growth hormone deficiency, acromegaly, gigantism, pituitary tumors, hypothalamic disorders, and other conditions affecting the production or regulation of growth hormone.
Low growth hormone levels may suggest growth hormone deficiency, pituitary gland dysfunction, hypothalamic disorders, or other endocrine conditions. Additional testing is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
High growth hormone levels may indicate acromegaly, gigantism, pituitary adenomas, or other conditions causing excessive hormone production. Further endocrine evaluation and imaging studies are often recommended.
No. Because growth hormone secretion fluctuates naturally, a single measurement is rarely sufficient. Doctors often combine it with stimulation or suppression tests and other hormone measurements for diagnosis.