Growth Hormone (GH/HGH)
Growth hormone (GH) is released by the anterior pituitary in pulsatile bursts, primarily during deep sleep and exercise. It stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, which mediates most of GH's anabolic effects on muscle, bone, and tissue repair.
Random GH levels are unreliable because of its pulsatile secretion — a single blood draw may catch a peak or a trough. For this reason, IGF-1 is a better screening marker for GH status, and formal stimulation or suppression testing is needed for diagnosis of GH deficiency or excess.
GH declines with age (somatopause), contributing to loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, reduced bone density, and decreased exercise capacity. Sleep quality, exercise intensity, body composition, and fasting all significantly affect GH secretion.
What It Measures
Serum growth hormone concentration at time of draw, reflecting pituitary output during that secretory pulse.
Reference Ranges
| Status | Range (ng/mL) |
|---|---|
| Optimal | 1–10 ng/mL (random) |
| Normal | < 10 ng/mL (random, adults) |
| Borderline | > 10 ng/mL (random — investigate) |
| Out of Range | > 20 ng/mL (evaluate for acromegaly) |
How GATOR Tracks This
Lab Providers
Related Biomarkers
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of your results and treatment decisions.
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