Ulta Lab Tests

Growth Hormones

Growth hormone (GH) affects height, body composition, bone strength, lipids, and energy. Because GH is released in pulses, a single random GH level is rarely useful. Instead, clinicians rely on IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) as a steady marker and on dynamic tests that stimulate or suppress GH to confirm deficiency or excess.

Use this page to build an evidence-based plan. For suspected acromegaly (GH excess), start with IGF-1 and consider a glucose suppression test if IGF-1 is high. For GH deficiency (children with slow growth; adults with suggestive features or known pituitary disease), begin with IGF-1 and proceed to a stimulation test when indicated. Add pituitary and thyroid labs to check for broader hormone issues. Dynamic testing and imaging are clinician-directed. Labs guide screening, diagnosis, and monitoring, but do not replace a medical exam or urgent care for severe symptoms.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Possible GH excess (acromegaly/gigantism): enlarging hands/feet or ring/shoe size; jaw or forehead growth; spaced teeth; coarse facial features; snoring or sleep apnea; headaches; carpal-tunnel symptoms; high blood pressure; high blood sugar; joint pain.

  • Possible GH deficiency — children: reduced growth velocity, height crossing down percentiles, delayed puberty, increased fat mass, low energy.

  • Possible GH deficiency — adults: low energy or exercise capacity, increased fat mass and reduced muscle, low bone density or fractures, low mood—often with known pituitary disease or prior surgery/radiation.

  • Red flags (seek prompt care): sudden vision changes, severe headaches, vomiting, weakness on one side, or symptoms of adrenal or thyroid crisis.

  • Important contexts: malnutrition, chronic illness, liver disease, hypothyroidism, and oral estrogen can lower IGF-1; puberty and pregnancy can raise it.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Screen for GH disorders: IGF-1 reflects average GH action; age- and sex-specific ranges apply.

  • Confirm with dynamic testing: glucose suppression for suspected excess; stimulation for suspected deficiency.

  • Differentiate pituitary vs. other causes by adding pituitary and thyroid labs; establish baselines for monitoring.

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose from a single random GH value (pulsatile secretion).

  • Replace specialist-supervised dynamic tests or imaging when indicated.

  • Provide treatment or dosing advice—work with your clinician.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • IGF-1 (Somatomedin-C): stable marker of GH action; first-line screen for both excess and deficiency. Caveats:affected by age, nutrition, liver function, thyroid status, and oral estrogen.

  • IGFBP-3 (IGF-binding protein-3): supportive marker (especially in children) when IGF-1 is borderline.

  • Random GH: not reliable for screening (pulses); used within dynamic protocols.

  • Glucose-Suppressed GH (OGTT): 75-g oral glucose with serial GH; failure to suppress supports acromegalyafter a high IGF-1.

  • GH Stimulation Tests (deficiency work-up, clinician-directed):

    • Glucagon stimulation test (GST)

    • Macimorelin (oral GH secretagogue) test

    • Arginine ± clonidine

    • Insulin tolerance test (ITT) — reference standard in expert settings
      Interpretation thresholds vary by assay, age, BMI, and sex.

  • Pituitary/thyroid context labs: Prolactin, TSH/Free T4, LH/FSH, estradiol/testosterone, morning cortisol ± ACTH to assess broader pituitary function.

  • Metabolic & bone context: A1c/glucose, lipids, vitamin D, calcium for risk and safety.

Quick Build Guide

Clinical question Start with Add if needed
Acromegaly suspected(enlarging hands/feet, coarse features) IGF-1 OGTT with GH suppression • Prolactin • TSH/Free T4 • A1c/Lipids (clinician-directed imaging after biochemical confirmation)
Child with slow growth IGF-1 + IGFBP-3 • TSH/Free T4 • CBC/CMP GH stimulation test (clinician-supervised) • Celiac screen (as indicated)
Adult with possible GHD(pituitary disease, low energy/bone) IGF-1 • TSH/Free T4 • AM Cortisol ± ACTH GH stimulation test (GST or macimorelin; ITT in expert centers)
Therapy monitoring(clinician-managed) IGF-1 Metabolic panel • Lipids • Glucose/A1c • Vitamin D/Calcium (timing per clinician)
Borderline or conflicting results Repeat IGF-1 with proper prep Alternate dynamic test • Broader pituitary panel

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose your starting tests: usually IGF-1 plus targeted context labs (thyroid, pituitary, metabolic).

  2. Prepare for accuracy: follow timing and fasting instructions; list all meds and supplements. Note oral estrogen, biotin, and recent illness.

  3. Get your draw: visit a nearby patient service center; dynamic tests are scheduled with clinician oversight.

  4. Confirm and classify: if the screen is abnormal, your clinician orders suppression (for excess) or stimulation (for deficiency) testing.

  5. Review & plan: integrate results with symptoms and imaging as needed; set a follow-up cadence to track trends.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • High IGF-1 (age-adjusted) suggests GH excess; confirm with OGTT-GH suppression before imaging.

  • Low IGF-1 raises concern for deficiency, but context matters—rule out hypothyroidism, malnutrition, liver disease, and medication effects.

  • Dynamic tests: diagnostic cutoffs vary by assay, age, BMI, and sex; your report includes relevant ranges.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional; trends and the whole clinical picture matter more than a single value.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Excess pathway: IGF-1 → OGTT-GH suppression (if IGF-1 high), plus prolactin and thyroid labs; imaging is clinician-directed.

  • Deficiency pathway (child/adult): IGF-1 ± IGFBP-3 → GH stimulation test, alongside thyroid, morning cortisol, and sex-hormone context.

  • Monitoring: IGF-1 for trend, with metabolic/bone labs as directed.

FAQs

Is a random GH level helpful?
Not for screening. GH is pulsatile. Use IGF-1 and, when needed, dynamic tests.

Do I need to fast?
Follow your order. OGTT-GH requires a fasting glucose load; some labs prefer a morning draw.

Can medicines affect results?
Yes. Oral estrogen can lower IGF-1; biotin may interfere with some assays. Tell your clinician about all meds and supplements.

My IGF-1 is borderline—what now?
Repeat testing under proper conditions and consider a dynamic test. Check thyroid, nutrition, and liver status.

Are stimulation/suppression tests safe to do at home?
No. They’re clinician-supervised due to timing, dosing, and monitoring needs.

When is imaging done?
After biochemical evidence is established (e.g., high IGF-1 with failed GH suppression), your clinician may order pituitary MRI.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Hormone Tests Hub

  • Endocrine Tests • Adrenal Insufficiency & Addison Disease • Cushing Syndrome • Thyroid Testing • Men’s Hormones • Women’s Hormones & PCOS • Bone & Osteoporosis

  • Key Tests: IGF-1 (Somatomedin-C) • IGFBP-3 • Glucose-Suppressed GH (OGTT) • GH Stimulation Tests (Glucagon • Macimorelin • Arginine/Clonidine • ITT) • Prolactin • TSH/Free T4 • AM Cortisol ± ACTH • LH/FSH • Estradiol/Testosterone • A1c/Glucose • Lipid Panel • Vitamin D/Calcium

References

  • Endocrine Society — Clinical practice guidelines on acromegaly and adult growth hormone deficiency.
  • Pediatric Endocrine Society — Guidelines for evaluation of short stature and pediatric GH deficiency.
  • Pituitary Society — Consensus statements on acromegaly diagnosis and monitoring.
  • AACE — Growth hormone disorders: diagnostic pathways and assay considerations.
  • Reviews on macimorelin and glucagon stimulation testing in adult GH deficiency.
  • Laboratory best practices on IGF-1 age-adjusted ranges and pre-analytical variables.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Growth Hormone Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with IGF-1 and targeted context labs (thyroid, pituitary, metabolic). If results suggest excess or deficiency, your clinician may schedule suppression or stimulation testing. Follow any fasting/timing instructions and review your results with your clinician to plan imaging and follow-up.

 

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The Growth Hormone Test measures GH levels in blood to evaluate pituitary gland function, growth disorders, and metabolic health. Abnormal levels may indicate acromegaly, gigantism, or growth hormone deficiency. Doctors use this test to assess children with short stature, adults with suspected hormone imbalance, or patients with pituitary tumors. Results provide critical insight into endocrine function, metabolism, and overall growth regulation.

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Also Known As: GH Test, HGH Test, Human Growth Hormone Test, Somatotropin Test
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The Growth Hormone Test with 2 specimens measures growth hormone levels at two collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone regulation. Tracking these changes helps assess growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, or acromegaly, while providing insight into metabolic balance, bone development, and overall endocrine system health.

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The Growth Hormone Test with 3 specimens measures hormone levels at three collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and overall hormone regulation. Tracking growth hormone across intervals provides insight into growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, and acromegaly, while supporting assessment of metabolism, bone development, tissue repair, and endocrine health.

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The Growth Hormone Test with 4 specimens measures hormone levels at four collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone regulation. Monitoring growth hormone changes helps detect growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, and acromegaly, while providing insight into metabolism, bone development, tissue repair, and overall endocrine health.

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The Growth Hormone Test with 5 specimens measures hormone levels at five collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone regulation. Tracking growth hormone across the day provides insight into growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, acromegaly, and hormone deficiency, while supporting assessment of metabolism, tissue repair, bone health, and overall endocrine balance.

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The Growth Hormone Test with 6 specimens measures hormone levels at six collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone regulation. Monitoring growth hormone patterns provides insight into growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, acromegaly, and deficiency, while supporting assessment of metabolism, tissue repair, bone development, and overall endocrine balance.

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The Growth Hormone Test with 7 specimens measures hormone levels at seven collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone balance. Monitoring growth hormone throughout the day helps assess growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, acromegaly, and deficiency, while supporting evaluation of metabolism, bone health, tissue repair, and overall endocrine system regulation.

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The Growth Hormone Test with 8 specimens measures hormone levels at eight collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone regulation. Tracking growth hormone patterns across the day helps assess growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, acromegaly, and deficiency, while providing insight into metabolism, bone health, tissue repair, and overall endocrine system balance.

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The Growth Hormone Test with 9 specimens measures hormone levels at nine collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone balance. Monitoring growth hormone patterns throughout the day helps detect growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, acromegaly, and deficiency, while providing insight into metabolism, bone development, tissue repair, and overall endocrine system health.

Blood
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The Growth Hormone Test with 10 specimens measures hormone levels at ten collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone regulation. Monitoring growth hormone patterns throughout the day helps detect growth disorders, short stature, gigantism, acromegaly, and deficiency, while supporting assessment of metabolism, bone health, tissue repair, and overall endocrine system balance.

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The ACTH Test measures adrenocorticotropic hormone in blood to evaluate pituitary and adrenal gland function. Abnormal ACTH levels may indicate Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, adrenal tumors, or pituitary disorders. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, weakness, or high blood pressure. Results provide vital insight into endocrine health, cortisol regulation, and adrenal-pituitary balance.

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Also Known As: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Test, Corticotropin Test
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The IGF-1 Test measures insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone regulated by growth hormone (GH), to assess growth and endocrine function. Abnormal levels may indicate growth disorders, acromegaly, gigantism, or GH deficiency. Doctors order this test to evaluate delayed growth, short stature, excessive growth, or pituitary disease and to monitor GH therapy. Results provide valuable insight into hormone balance, metabolism, and overall endocrine health.

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Also Known As: Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Test, Somatomedin-C Test, IGF-I Test
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The Prolactin Test measures prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, to assess reproductive and endocrine health. High prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) may cause infertility, irregular periods, or milk production in women and low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, or infertility in men. Doctors use this test to evaluate pituitary tumors, hormonal imbalance, or unexplained symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, or abnormal lactation.

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Also Known As: PRL Test
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The Prolactin Test with 2 specimens measures prolactin levels at two intervals to assess pituitary gland function and hormone balance. Monitoring this hormone over time helps evaluate reproductive health, menstrual irregularities, infertility, galactorrhea, and symptoms related to hyperprolactinemia, while offering insight into pituitary disorders and overall endocrine system health.

Blood
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The Prolactin Test with 3 specimens measures prolactin levels at three collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone regulation. Monitoring this hormone across intervals provides insight into reproductive health, menstrual irregularities, infertility, galactorrhea, and hyperprolactinemia, while supporting assessment of pituitary disorders and overall endocrine balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
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The Prolactin Test with 4 specimens measures prolactin levels at four intervals to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone balance. Monitoring this hormone across the day provides insight into reproductive health, infertility, menstrual irregularities, and galactorrhea, while supporting detection of hyperprolactinemia, pituitary disorders, and overall endocrine system regulation.

Blood
Blood Draw
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The Prolactin Test with 5 specimens measures prolactin levels at five collection times to evaluate pituitary gland function and hormone balance. Monitoring this hormone throughout the day provides insight into reproductive health, menstrual irregularities, infertility, galactorrhea, and hyperprolactinemia, while supporting detection of pituitary disorders and overall endocrine health.

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The Somatostatin Test measures levels of somatostatin, a hormone that regulates growth hormone, insulin, and gastrointestinal secretions. Elevated concentrations may suggest the presence of somatostatin-secreting tumors (somatostatinomas) or neuroendocrine dysfunction. This test aids in evaluating unexplained diarrhea, gallstones, diabetes-like symptoms, or hormonal imbalances linked to gastrointestinal or pancreatic disorders.

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The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test measures TSH levels in blood to assess thyroid function and diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. It evaluates how the thyroid controls metabolism, energy, weight, and heart rate. Doctors use the TSH test to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, or mood changes. Frequently included in routine health exams, it is also key for monitoring thyroid disease treatment and overall endocrine balance.

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Also Known As: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test, Thyrotropin Test
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Growth Hormone Tests to Measure Growth Hormone Deficiency

About 1 in 6,000 children and nearly 50,000 total adults in the United States suffer from a growth hormone deficiency.

Have you ever wondered: "am I growth hormone-deficient?"

A growth hormone deficiency can be a dangerous medical condition if not diagnosed and treated correctly. If you're not sure if you have one, you should get a growth hormone test right away to be sure!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about growth hormone tests.

What Is the Growth Hormone Deficiency?

A growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is when your pituitary gland is not producing enough of the growth hormone the body needs. 

Most commonly found in children, a growth hormone deficiency is almost always congenital. This means that you would be born with it. It is possible that it could be due to trauma, called Acquired GHD, or Idiopathic GHD, which is when a patient's GHD has no apparent cause.

Growth hormone lab tests are the only way to be certain that GHD is what is happening within the body.

Risk Factors and Causes of Growth Hormone Deficiency

Most of the time, the cause of a growth hormone deficiency is due to a genetic disorder for GHD. Deficiency in children is more common than in adults, as most are born with it. Idiopathic GHD most likely has been present from birth and has gone unnoticed. 

However, if it is developed later in life, it may be the result of trauma, infection, radiation therapy, or tumor growth within the brain. Usually, this tumor growth is near the pituitary gland.

Signs & Symptoms of Growth Hormone Deficiency

In infants, the first sign a pediatrician will look for is delayed growth. Low blood sugar and abnormally sized genitals can also be one of the first signs. Delayed bone growth, facial structure growth abnormalities, and other signs are also common in infants and children. 

An essential period is during the first 6-12 months of life. Your pediatrician will make sure that the growth rates are normal and haven't decreased more than 10 percent. 

In adults, GHD will present itself as increased fat in the abdomen with decreased muscle mass. Depression, anxiety, low energy levels, poor concentration, and abnormal LDL Cholesterol levels can also be signs of GHD. 

Get a Diagnosis: Growth Hormone Tests

A phlebotomist will draw blood for a growth hormone stimulation test. The blood samples will provide a biomarker level in the test results that will read normal, low, or high.

The phlebotomist will collect a blood sample for your growth hormone blood panel. The lab will test GH levels and an insulin-like growth factor, and a Z Score in females.

Abnormal levels in these tests will indicate a growth hormone deficiency or normal levels of the hormone.

Treatment & Prognosis

Treatment for anyone with GHD is going through hormone replacement therapy. The hormone replacement is injected into a fatty area of the body. The GH levels will continue to be monitored via blood tests and medication adjusted accordingly.

In children, their hormones will be increased around puberty and will taper off once the body can make enough of its own growth hormone. Treatment could last for their entire life, as everyone's body is different. Adults will likely have hormone replacement for the entirety of their lives.

People with GHD can live a normal lifestyle as long as their hormones are monitored and replacement therapy is adjusted as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Growth Hormone Deficiency

As with any medical condition, GHD comes with a lot of questions. These are the most commonly asked questions about growth hormone deficiencies.

What Causes Growth Hormone Deficiencies?

Growth Hormone Deficiencies are usually congenital, but they can also be caused by trauma or a tumor growth on the pituitary gland. There are also instances where a cause is not found. 

Am I Growth Hormone-Deficient?

If you are experiencing symptoms of adult-onset GHD, including increased belly fat, abnormalities in cholesterol levels, decreased muscle strength, or another symptom, then it is worth talking to your doctor or ordering the tests yourself through Ulta Lab Tests.

If you believe your child has a growth hormone deficiency, you should get them a test right away to help monitor their symptoms.

Where Can I Get a GH Test?

You can search for a patient service center on our website. We have locations in every state in the US, with the exception of New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.

How Is GHD treated?

GHD is treated by hormone replacement therapy. This is a shot usually given daily.

Can You Cure GHD?

GHD isn't considered curable. It is treated until the body can make appropriate levels of its own growth hormone.

How Common Are Growth Hormone Deficiencies?

Growth hormone deficiencies are found in about 1 in every 6000 babies. About 50,000 adults in the United States have a growth hormone deficiency. 

What Are the Side Effects of Grown Hormone Replacement?

Side effects of growth hormone replacement therapy can include high cholesterol, low blood sugar, enlarged heart, muscle and nerve pain, swelling of the arms and legs, and more. Know that if your doctor has decided that growth hormone replacement therapy is right for you, they have decided that the risks outweigh the damage that may be done without the therapy. 

What Does the Growth Hormone Do in Adults?

In adults, the growth hormone helps regulate body fat, muscle mass, and cholesterol levels. It is also necessary for proper brain function. 

Benefits of Growth Hormone Deficiency Lab Testing with Ulta Lab Tests

If you think you or your child may have a growth hormone deficiency, contact your doctor! You can also take matters into your own hands and order tests through Ulta Lab Tests right now!

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests, so you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your growth hormone tests today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!