Growth hormone stimulation and suppression tests
Explanation
Growth hormone, or GH, is made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It helps children grow and supports muscles and bones throughout life. Because its level changes throughout the day, testing often measures how it responds to a medicine or a drink containing glucose, a type of sugar, rather than relying on one blood sample.
What is a stimulation test?
This checks whether the body can release enough growth hormone. A medicine is given to encourage its release, followed by blood samples over time. The team looks at the response when investigating a possible deficiency.
What is a suppression test?
This checks whether growth hormone falls as expected after a glucose drink. It may be used when excess hormone is suspected. The sequence of results matters, so one sample should not be interpreted without the rest of the test.
How does IGF-1 fit in?
IGF-1 stands for insulin-like growth factor 1. It is a different hormone linked to growth-hormone activity. Its level is more stable during the day, so it can provide additional information. The clinician combines these findings with growth patterns or other symptoms rather than diagnosing a disorder from one random GH value.
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