At Home Growth Hormone (IGF-1) Test Kit (Blood Spot)

Growth hormones like the human growth hormone (HGH) are secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. They are necessary for healthy growth, the regulation of the metabolism and to keep the tissues and muscles healthy. Too much growth hormones can cause children to go too much, and too little can inhibit them from growing normally. In adults, abnormal levels can indicate a problem, such as a tumor of the pituitary gland, called an adenoma. Too much growth hormone can also cause the bones of the feet, hands, jaw and face grow larger than normal, known as acromegaly.

HGH also causes the release of the IGF-1 hormone. Therefore a blood test that measures IGF-1 acts like a biomarker for blood levels of HGH, indirectly measuring HGH levels. The IGF-1 hormone is produced by the liver and other tissues that affect glucose metabolism and other growth activities. Measuring this hormone assesses the levels of HGH and confirms abnormal levels.

The test is done to see if a child who has not grown as expected may have gigantism or dwarfism or if an adult has acromegaly or a tumor of the pituitary gland.

Most adults experience an age-related decrease in IGF-1 and HGH production, but lower-than-expected levels likely indicate an HGH deficiency or perhaps an insensitivity to HGH. If a more general decrease in pituitary function is causing the low levels of IGF-1, then follow-up testing of pituitary hormones should be completed for further analysis. Decreased pituitary function may be an inherited defect, but more often it occurs after pituitary damage due to trauma, infection or inflammation. These pituitary hormones may be supplemented until levels are normalized.

Increased levels of IGF-1 usually indicate a greater production of HGH. While this is okay during puberty and pregnancy, high levels otherwise are usually caused by pituitary tumors (usually benign).

Keeping levels of IGF-1 and HGH within optimal range is also part of an anti-aging treatment that involves growth hormone therapy. Although controversial, growth hormones are used as an anti-aging treatment. It arguably provides such benefits as an increased metabolism, increased muscle mass and decreased fat. Some adults may also experience increased bone density and a greater capacity for exercise, which could help improve cardiovascular health.