How to Test for Human Growth Hormone Deficiency
The medical community is continuously researching the benefits of treatment for adults suffering from growth hormone deficiency. This is a fairly new area of medical intervention, having begun about twenty years ago. One subject of continued discussion is how to test for human growth hormone deficiency.
It is a well-known and widely agreed upon fact that GH itself is not a viable marker as this particular chemical is secreted in rapid paced bursts at varying intervals both day and night. Its rapid movement through the blood stream and into receptor tissues makes it unreliable as a determination tool. Due to this fact, the professionals at Kingsberg Medical know that other areas must be looked into for this determination.
The consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adults with growth hormone deficiency reinforce the statement that there is currently no alternative markers of GH action that is superior to the IGF-1 test. In an adult suspected of possessing a GH deficiency, the IGF-1 levels should be tested and evaluated in order to bring forth a correct diagnosis. For those not involved in the medical community, this may seem confusing.
What is IGF-1 and how is it a blood test for growth hormone deficiency? Insulin Growth Factor 1 is a chemical secreted by the liver in direct response to the actual amount of growth hormone produced daily. If levels of GH are low, then the liver will not produce enough IGF-1. Whereas growth hormone moves rapidly through the bloodstream, IGF-1 levels remain constant throughout the day, making its use as an indicator reliable. For many years, this has been the diagnostic tool of choice by hormone replacement therapy physicians. Together, IGF-1 and GH play a key role in the regeneration and reproduction of new cells.
Testing for Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults
When testing for growth hormone deficiency in adults, it is imperative to check that there are no other underlying conditions that may be present and affecting the body. A physical examination is required, along with a complete medical history background questionnaire. This provides the physician with an informed view of the medical background and condition of an individual when considering treatment. Honesty is imperative when completing the forms as previous medical conditions may have an effect on the changes taking place in the body. A complete panel of blood tests will be performed at the same time the lab test for human growth hormone deficiency is done.
This will determine if there are any other conditions that must be looked at or researched before treatment can begin. A complete and thorough review of the entire medical file of an individual will be performed in advance of any diagnosis and determination of a plan of action for therapy. Four decades have passed since GH therapy began. The growth hormone cascade progress and long-term results of growth hormone treatment in growth hormone deficiency has more closely followed the use of this medication in adolescents. In some cases, it is advisable for these individuals to continue treatment at a lower dose into adulthood. For adults who are experiencing adult onset GHD, the treatment will be monitored by a doctor who specializes in HRT. Dosages prescribed are based upon a number of factors, including age, gender, weight, IGF-1 deficiency level, and current symptoms.
Growth Hormone Replacement in Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency
Upon completion of all medical testing, a diagnosis can then be determined by the doctor. Before beginning growth hormone replacement in adults with growth hormone deficiency, there are other areas to take into consideration. What symptoms are currently being experienced by the person requesting treatment? There are times when a person can be GH deficient without showing any of the signs of this condition. In situations such as this, treatment may not yet be warranted or necessary.
The other end of the spectrum would be someone with numerous symptoms yet only a mild deficiency. In a case such as this, therapy may bring the benefits of symptom reversal. A quality of life assessment before and after growth hormone treatment in adults with growth hormone deficiency can yield answers and shed light on how well the therapy has worked. During a previously published double-blind, placebo-controlled, six month trial, patients receiving HGH treatment reported less perceived illness and improvement in energy level and mood. These benefits have been duplicated by thousands of individuals across the US.
Improved muscle tone and bone density, reduced joint pain, improved memory and focus, stronger cardiac output, weight loss, and improved skin tone are just some of the daily results being reported. Once a human growth hormone deficiency blood test is scheduled, it is then possible to get answers as to why changes are taking place that are counterproductive to living a healthful and virile life. Treatment is easy to administer, and the effects are rapidly evident. If this chemical deficiency is suspected, the sooner testing is done, the sooner treatment can begin, and results can appear.
