Guide to HGH Deficiency Testing
These standards are subject to change but as of a few years ago this was the standard testing HGH deficiency testing protocol. This is presented to you to give you an idea of what is involved in diagnosing a human growth hormone deficiency.
The Usual Routine
Newer ways to determine if a child or adult is HGH-deficient are being researched every single day. However, this is what has been done at least up until recently (2010).
Usually multiple blood samples are taken over an extend time period. The reason why is because fluctuations of human growth hormone levels need to be monitored. This will give a more accurate average HGH level reading in an individual.
The steps to blood testing are as follows:
- First a person makes an appointment with a medical doctor.
- Then the person fills out a questionnaire and answers any questions the doctor ahs about health history and current health condition and/or medications taken.
- A thorough physical such as checking of vital signs and being weighed so forth is most likely to be done before testing.
- Preparation for testing is made.
- The determination is made once blood test results reveal the truth.
About the Results
For men, the normal HGH level should be up to 5ng/ml (nanograms/milliliter). For women it should be up to 10 ng/ml (nanograms/milliliter). Children should be measured at as high as 16mg/ml (nanograms/milliliter). This is determined after the series of blood tests as described above.
Other Tests
A variety of stimuli testing may be used. One that is applied most often to evaluating potentially HGH-deficient individuals is the ITT provocative test.
ITT stands for Insolin Tolerance Test. It is used to determine a person’s hormonal response to a low blood sugar level. A shot of insulin is administered usually after you have not eaten anything after midnight the night before you go to bed.
This is done to make your blood sugar fall. During this time you may experience sweatiness, drowsiness, shakiness, and hunger. You will also have trouble concentrating.
You may be wondering why this is necessary. Part of the purpose is to determine how much GH as well as how much cortisol is needed to determine if your body is working normally.
The ITT testing process helps regulate how well GH production is stimulated in you. This along with a serious of blood tests will determine future course of treatment.