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Growth Hormone

(continued)

How It Feels

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. It may feel tight. You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch.

Risks

There is very little chance of a problem from having blood sample taken from a vein.

You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes.
In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be used several times a day to treat this.
Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medicines can make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, tell your doctor before your blood sample is taken.

Results

A growth hormone (GH) test measures the amount of human growth hormone (GH) in the blood.

Normal

The normal values listed here-called a reference range-are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

**Growth hormone (GH)**
Men	Less than 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) (less than 220 picomoles per liter[pmol/L])
Women	Less than 10 ng/mL (less than 440 pmol/L)
Children	Less than 20 ng/mL (less than 880 pmol/L)

High values

High GH values may mean gigantism or acromegaly is present. These conditions are caused by a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland (adenoma). Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels should also be high.
High GH levels may also be caused by diabetes, kidney disease, or starvation. These conditions do not cause high IGF-1 levels.

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

Taking medicines, such as amphetamines, corticosteroids, insulin, or estrogens.
Having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Being obese.
Taking the herb St. John's wort.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 12, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.