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Growth hormone GH: indications for blood tests, norms and interpretation. STH - somatotropic hormone of the pituitary gland Analysis of growth hormone

Growth hormone is called somatotropin (GH), which is involved in the development of children. The growth and proportional formation of the body will depend on how it is produced.

A growth hormone test is used to fully monitor the process by which somatotropin is produced by the anterior pituitary gland. This process occurs in waves, and the main portion is synthesized only at night during sleep.

Most often, it is recommended to conduct a series of studies studying the level of the hormone and the percentage of growth hormone in children. This is due to the fact that during this period there is a process of active growth, and therefore the slightest malfunction of the growth hormone inevitably provokes the development of pathological disorders in the further development of the child.

Growth hormone continues to be produced even in adults, while controlling the anabolic effect in the metabolic process, affecting bone and muscle mass, specializing in protein synthesis.

What happens with hormonal imbalances

The norm in children is 700 mg, and in adults – 40 mg per day. It is on her that the development will depend. Hence, an excess or deficiency of the GH hormone leads to gigantism, while a deficiency, on the contrary, inhibits the growth of the child.

So, with gigantism, children may experience the following symptoms:

facial features become rough;
frequent headaches appear;
there is a delay in sexual development;
the child feels general weakness.

If excess synthesis of growth hormone is diagnosed, then the formation of various types of tumors in the pituitary gland will be observed.

If an increased amount is observed in adults, then acromegaly is observed. This leads to thickening of the bones. The main symptoms may include:

thickening of the skin occurs;
the size of the hands and feet may increase;
facial features become rough;
the patient is faced with joint disease;
faces frequent fatigue;
sweating increases;
the size of the gland organs may begin to increase;
neoplasms grow;
There may be an increase in the growth of various papillomas and polyps.

If you do not stop the increase in growth hormone, bringing it to a normal state, then gigantism will develop into acromegaly. This will concern serious changes in appearance and the appearance of pathological complications. These include:

pathology causing heart disease;
a metabolic disorder occurs;
various types of diabetes;
pathological changes, weakening and even destruction of the joints occur.

For the study, it is necessary to undergo various tests, accompanied by stimulation or, conversely, suppression of the production of growth hormone.

In what cases is research carried out?

Most often, a study is prescribed if hormonal disorders are suspected. This is especially true for growth hormone in children. For this purpose, tests will be prescribed, thanks to which specialists will be able to obtain information regarding the concentration of somatotropin.

All tests are specific tests that provide objective information regarding functions related to the pituitary gland. Most often, the study can be a complex of activities studying various hormones.

In the event that the tests performed do not provide an opportunity to obtain an objective idea related to the condition of the gland, it will be recommended to undergo a study of the growth hormone itself in children or adults.

During the examination of children, it turns out that there is insufficient or, on the contrary, excessive production of SHT, then additional research and tests will be prescribed to obtain the most accurate information regarding the general condition.

The main thing in the laboratory diagnosis of acromegaly is the study of the secretion of growth hormone on an empty stomach. To correctly interpret the results obtained, it is advisable to take blood samples 2-3 times over 2-3 days with a break of 1-2 days and evaluate the average value of the samples.

In healthy individuals aged 20 to 50 years, fasting growth hormone levels range from 0 to 10 ng/ml. In patients with acromegaly, fasting growth hormone levels tend to be elevated. However, 30 - 53% of patients have a moderate or slight increase in this indicator. Moreover, in almost 17% of patients, growth hormone levels are within normal limits.

Research on the circadian rhythm of growth hormone

In a number of conditions and diseases (stress, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, prolonged fasting), a “false” increase in fasting growth hormone levels may be observed. Therefore, it is necessary to study the daily rhythm of growth hormone secretion, as well as perform functional tests.

When studying the circadian rhythm, blood samples are taken every 30 or 60 minutes for 24 hours using an intravenous catheter. Normally, in 75% of samples the growth hormone content is at the lower limit of the sensitivity of the method, and in 25% of samples (midnight, early morning hours) high values of growth hormone levels are allowed. The normal daily average secretion of growth hormone is 4.9 ng/ml. During the active stage of acromegaly, serum growth hormone levels are persistently elevated. Integrated daily levels of growth hormone in patients exceed normal values by 2-100 times, and sometimes more.

If it is impossible to study the circadian rhythm, it is necessary to conduct functional tests - with stimulation and suppression of growth hormone secretion. Stimulation tests include insulin hypoglycemia, a test with thyrotropin-releasing hormone and somatoliberin.

Insulin test

Insulin is administered intravenously at a dose of 0.15-0.2 U/kg body weight. The test results are considered reliable if glycemia falls below 2 mmol/l. Blood sampling is carried out 15 minutes before insulin administration, immediately before administration (0 minutes), and also 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes after it.

In the active stage of acromegaly, 50% of patients experience a hyperergic reaction of growth hormone. Due to the non-specificity of this test, false negative results are possible.

Thyroliberin test

The test with thyrotropin-releasing hormone is carried out as follows. In the morning, on an empty stomach, the patient, who is in a horizontal position, is administered intravenously 500 mcg of thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Blood sampling is carried out at the same time intervals as during the insulin test. With acromegaly, especially in its active stage, there is an increase in the level of growth hormone by 50-100% or more from the initial level. The maximum increase, as a rule, is observed at the 30-60th minute of the test.

Normally, there is no reaction to thyrotropin-releasing hormone. False-positive results are possible in the presence of kidney disease, mental depression, anorexia nervosa, severe liver disease; false-negative results can be obtained when the adenoma is autonomous or in cases where the secretion of growth hormone is regulated not by dopaminergic, but by other mechanisms.

Test with somatoliberin

When conducting a test with somatoliberin, the latter is administered intravenously at a dose of 100 mcg in the morning on an empty stomach.

Blood is taken at the same time intervals as for other samples. In acromegaly, a hyperergic response of growth hormone to somatoliberin is observed.

Tests with suppression of growth hormone secretion

Tests that suppress growth hormone secretion include the oral glucose tolerance test (OGT) and the parlodel test. When performing a glucose load test, blood is taken on an empty stomach, as well as every 30 minutes for 2.5-3 hours after taking glucose.

Normally, hyperglycemia is accompanied by a significant decrease in growth hormone levels.

In the active phase of acromegaly, the test is considered positive if this level does not fall below 2 ng/ml within 2.5-3 hours. Such a GH reaction is observed in most patients (up to 70%). Moreover, often (up to 25-30% of cases) a “paradoxical” release of the hormone is observed in response to a glucose load.

The parlodel (bromocriptine) test is carried out as follows. In the morning on an empty stomach, blood is taken 30 minutes before and before taking the drug. After taking 2.5 mg (1 tablet) of parlodel, repeated blood samples are taken after 2 and 4 hours. The patient remains hungry throughout the test.

The test is considered positive if after 4 hours there is a decrease in the level of growth hormone by 50% or more compared to the basal level. Normally, taking parlodel causes the opposite effect. The test simultaneously allows you to determine the possibility of subsequent long-term therapy with Parlodel.

In everyday practice, OPT is most often used as the most accessible, easily portable, and highly informative. The only contraindication for its implementation is the presence of diabetes mellitus in the patient.

N.Molitvoslovova, V.Peterkova, O.Fofanova

"Research on growth hormone" and other articles from the section

Somatotropin (GH) is directly involved in the development of children. The proportional formation of the body depends on the synthesis of this substance. A lack of SHT will lead to growth retardation, and its excess will lead to gigantism. But SHT is produced not only in children; it performs certain functions in the body of adults. Therefore, it may be necessary to take a test for growth hormones not only in childhood.

Hormones are produced by small organs - endocrine glands. But the importance of these substances in the body is enormous. Each of the synthesized hormones performs specific functions, and disruptions in its production lead to serious functional disorders.

Thus, growth hormone is a substance that ensures linear growth of the body. This substance is very important for the development of children. But in adults the substance continues to be produced, although its level decreases.

General description

The described analysis is carried out in order to determine the amount of somatotropin in the blood. This substance is produced by the pituitary gland in waves, and is most produced during night sleep.

Advice! The statement that babies grow in their sleep is quite true. Indeed, it is at night that growth hormones are produced.

Somatotropin is a substance indispensable for the physical development of children. Thanks to this substance, a linear increase in bones occurs, starting from the first days of life and ending with the end of puberty.

Insufficient production of SHT leads to the fact that the child develops more slowly than his peers, and disproportionate body development is possible. If the substance is produced in excess, children experience excessive lengthening of the bones, and growth cessation is not observed even after puberty. In addition to gigantic growth (more than 2 meters), people with excess production of somatotropin may experience the following symptoms:

Advice! Excessive production of SHT is observed, as a rule, with the formation of a tumor (most often benign) in the pituitary gland.

In adults, SHT is no longer as active, but it continues to perform a number of important functions. This substance takes part in:

maintaining the muscle corset;
maintaining optimal density and strength of the skeleton;

regulation of lipid metabolism.

With increased production of SHT, adult patients develop a condition called acromegaly. While in children the hormone stimulates bone lengthening, in adults the bones become thicker. The main symptoms of this disease:

thickening of the skin;
increase in the size of hands and feet;
coarsening of facial features;
joint pain;
fatigue;
excessive sweating;

increase in the size of internal organs;
growth of neoplasms.

Advice! With high production of somatotropin in adults, there is an increase in the growth of papillomas on the skin and polyps in the gastrointestinal tract.

Both gigantism and acromegaly are manifested not only by changes in the patient’s appearance; serious complications often develop with these diseases:

heart disease;
metabolic disorders (most often, non-insulin-dependent diabetes);
changes that destroy joints.

Since SHT is produced unevenly throughout the day, it makes no sense to conduct a spontaneous study. Most often, an analysis is prescribed with stimulation or, conversely, suppression of hormone production.

When is it appointed?

As a rule, tests for the concentration of somatotropin are not performed during the general examination of children, and especially of adult patients. This specific study is prescribed if there are clinical indications of disturbances in the production of the substance.

Advice! Typically, tests for other hormones are done to study the function of the pituitary gland. And only if the tests performed do not provide an objective idea of the condition of the gland, a test for growth hormone is prescribed.

If there is a suspicion of insufficient or excessive production of SHT, a specific study is prescribed. In addition, the analysis is necessary for periodic monitoring of acromegaly treatment.

Before prescribing studies to determine the level of SHT production, it is necessary to conduct tests for other hormones produced by the pituitary gland: LH, FSH, TSH. Tests may also be prescribed to measure the level of hormones produced in the adrenal glands and thyroid gland.

in the morning on an empty stomach (you should abstain from food for at least 12 hours), a blood sample is taken;
Next, a substance is introduced that stimulates the production of growth hormone. This could be arginine or insulin;
Then, several more blood samples are blanched at a certain periodicity, which makes it possible to assess changes in the hormone level over time.

Suppression

If excess growth hormone production is suspected, a study is carried out in which the production of the hormone is artificially suppressed. The test procedure is similar to that described above, only after the first blood draw the patient is not given insulin, but is given a glucose solution to drink.

Normal indicators and deviations

The amount in which growth hormone is produced in the body depends on the patient's gender and age. So reference values for growth hormone (in honey/l):

Low hormone levels

If a low level of GTS is detected in children, this is a serious violation. A deficiency of the substance in the blood can cause growth retardation, including the development of dwarfism, as well as symptoms such as:

delayed sexual development;
delay in general physical development.

The causes of these disorders may be pathology during pregnancy or a hereditary predisposition.

In most cases, if a lack of growth hormone in a child’s body is detected in a timely manner, this condition can be corrected. Patients are prescribed synthetic hormones and their development is not affected.

Advice! Short stature in humans is not always associated with disturbances in the production of somatotropin. Most often, short stature is due to heredity, various diseases suffered in childhood and other reasons.

If a low level of growth hormone is detected in the blood of adults, this usually affects the deterioration of metabolic processes. Low levels of the hormone may be one of the causes of osteoporosis.

Increased level

When the level of growth hormone increases in adolescents, gigantism is observed, and if this disorder appears in adults, then acromegaly begins to progress in patients. With gigantism, bones grow in length, which is manifested by unusually high growth (more than 2 meters).

After puberty, the linear growth areas of bones close, so if they have high levels of GH in their blood, their bones begin to thicken. This leads to the development of acromegaly.

With this disease, in addition to bones, there is a growth of soft tissues, as well as the appearance of neoplasms, both on the skin and in the internal organs. The growth of bones and tissues in acromegaly occurs unevenly, so individual organs increase disproportionately to the size of the rest of the body.

Advice! Acromegaly, fortunately, is not a common disease. There are about 50 cases of the disease per 1 million adults.

Acromegaly is extremely rarely diagnosed in the early stages; in most cases, testing and diagnosis can be made only after pronounced clinical signs of the disease appear. Acromegaly is manifested not only by external changes, but also by the occurrence of various serious complications, these are:

the growth of polyps in the intestines, which significantly increases the development of oncology;
non-insulin dependent diabetes;
vision diseases;
joint destruction.

All this leads to disability and early death of the patient, unless, of course, the patient receives the necessary treatment. The main reason for increased production of GH in patients of any age is the formation of a tumor in the pituitary gland. Therefore, in addition to analysis for the content of growth hormone, it will be necessary to undergo specific examinations to identify the neoplasm.

Since the changes caused by gigantism and acromegaly are irreversible, it is important to promptly identify deviations in the production of somatotropin and carry out treatment in a short time.

So, an analysis to determine the level of growth hormone production is one of the types of studies that allow us to determine the functions of the pituitary gland. With insufficient production of the hormone, children experience a lag in physical and sexual development. If hormones are produced in excess quantities, then gigantism develops in children and adolescents, and a severe disease called acromegaly occurs in adults.

Growth hormone (somatotropic hormone, STH) belongs to the category of pituitary hormones.- necessary in the diagnosis of many diseases, as well as to confirm the initial diagnosis.

DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANALYSIS FOR GROWTH HORMONE HGH

This substance is produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, the name is explained by the fact that this element is responsible for the growth sites in the bones of adolescents and children.

Growth hormone not only has a direct effect on human growth, but also:

has an anabolic effect (increases formation, slows down protein breakdown);
accelerates the breakdown of fat (this makes it possible to increase the ratio of adipose tissue to muscle mass);
controls carbohydrate metabolism (increases the concentration of glucose in human blood);
ensures calcium uptake by bone tissue.

Indications for a blood test for growth hormone

Blood test for growth hormonemay be prescribed to the patient in the following situations:

signs of dwarfism;
symptoms of accelerated growth rates;
excessive sweating;
hair growth disorder;
osteoporosis;
muscle weakness;
reduction in blood glucose levels (for example, after drinking alcohol);
porphyria.

If a patient comes to an initial consultation with a specialist with ready-made test results, he should definitely clarify expiration date of hormonal tests.

ADDITIONAL ANALYSIS AND SERVICES

Endocrinology is a science aimed at diagnosing and treating diseases of the endocrine glands, which produce the most important regulatory chemicals - hormones. An appointment with an endocrinologist is a prerequisite for successful treatment of any endocrine pathology.

What does it showgrowth hormone test

Using a growth hormone test, doctors diagnose a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland, and identify tumors of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The study also makes it possible to distinguish acromegaly (enlargement of specific body parts) from gigantism in adults. Necessaryreceiving analysis resultsand when monitoring the effectiveness of growth hormone treatment.

A decrease in the concentration of the hormone GH in human blood most often diagnosed in case of development of pituitary dwarfism. Only after performing functional tests does the doctor render a verdict (make a diagnosis). A reduction in the blood concentration of growth hormone may be present with excessive function of the adrenal cortex, pituitary dwarfism, under the influence of radiation, chemotherapy procedures, and with hypopituitarism.
An increase in the level of growth hormone in the patient’s blood may serve as a signal of gigantism or acromegaly. If the case seems unclear or doubtful to the attending physician, the concentration of this hormone is tested several times, the interval between tests is one or two months. An increase in the level of growth hormone in the blood is diagnosed with pituitary gigantism, acromegaly, tumors of the stomach and lungs, and malnutrition of the body. Also, such an indicator may be a signal of anorexia neurogenic, liver cirrhosis, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and renal failure. And finally, an excess of this substance can be the result of prolonged fasting and stress.

Attention! Correctly interpret hormone test results Only a professional doctor is capable of growth.

How much do growth hormone tests cost?

Price for growth hormone analysisdepends on the specific laboratory in which it is carried out. At Diana Clinic, the cost of this test may vary depending on the discounts offered. Price for self-tropic hormone analysis without discounts:

STH, Somatropic hormone

720 rub.

How to prepare for growth hormone tests

It can be prescribed to a patient as part of a comprehensive examination that is carried out to diagnose a specific disease. To obtain correct results of this study, it is very important that the patient follows all the rules for preparing for tests for pituitary hormones in principle and for somatotropic hormone in particular.

What does preparation include?

Preparing for a blood test for growth hormone is very simple; the patient only needs to scrupulously follow the following simple rules. So,before testsThe following requirements must be met.

If approximately 3-5 days before the blood test the patient underwent an X-ray or ultrasound examination, scanning, or other medical procedures, it is imperative to inform the attending physician about this.
Before conducting the study, you need to be more careful about your daily menu. In particular, approximately 5 days before the eventgrowth hormone testsIt is advisable not to eat fried, fatty foods.
It is also highly desirable to avoid all medications that may distort the results.analysis transcripts. Of course, this is not always possible, but then you need to notify the doctor about it. The exception is when the study is being conducted to test the effectiveness of a treatment. In this case, you need to stop taking the medications prescribed by your doctor on the day of the test. An increase in the concentration of a somatotropic substance in the blood may well be the result of taking drugs such as bromocriptine, glucan, clonidine, estrogen, insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, oral contraceptives, and so on. Ideally, any drug that cannot be stopped should be discussed with your doctor.
Three days before the eventblood test for hormonesDrinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited. It is advisable to give up cigarettes at least on the day of the study (the sooner the better).
12 hours before the procedurepassing the analysis bloodYou can only use clean water, since the manipulation should be carried out on an empty stomach. It is also prohibited to consume any other drinks - tea, coffee, mineral water, juice.
Excessive physical activity can also reduce the quality of test results. About three days before donating blood for research, it is better to start abstaining from physical exercise and playing any sports.

If a blood test for growth hormone is repeated, it is advisable to take it in the same laboratory at approximately the same time. Where do hormone tests come from? The answer to this question is from the patient’s vein. The turnaround time for tests depends on the specific laboratory.

How to interpret a growth hormone test

Growth hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and has a direct effect on the development and growth of the human body.Deciphering the blood testshould be handled by a specialist who is able to correctly take into account all factors and determine the diagnosis. However, the patient can get a rough idea of his condition on his own.

How to correctly decipher the analysis results

Blood test for somatotropic hormone is normalmust provide the following indicators:

2-15 ng/ml in women;
2-10 ng/ml in men.

Deviations from the norm inanalysis resultsmay indicate the following problems in the patient.

An increased concentration of growth hormone in human blood can be detected in cases of malnutrition, tumors of the lungs, stomach, acromegaly, dwarfism, and pituitary gigantism. An increase in this figure can be caused by prolonged refusal of food or excessive physical activity of the patient. This study result is also possible in cases of neurogenic anorexia, liver cirrhosis, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and renal failure.
Reduced concentrationgrowth hormone in the blood, which is revealed when carrying outanalysis, may be present as a result of hypopituitarism, excessive function of the adrenal cortex, pituitary dwarfism. Also, the level of this substance may decrease after exposure to radiation or chemotherapy.

The results of the study can indicate whether the patient has a tumor of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and make it possible to detect a reduction in the functioning of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland. It can also be used to distinguish acromegaly from gigantism and monitor the effectiveness of treatment with growth hormone.

Where to get tested for growth hormones

You can take a growth hormone test any day at the Diana Clinic in St. Petersburg. To do this, fill out the registration form or call the clinic administrator. Be sure to ask about discounts on tests. DISCOUNT INFORMATION

A growth hormone test is prescribed to diagnose many pathologies, as well as to confirm the signs of the initial diagnoses. Growth hormone - somatotropic hormone - is one of the main participants in the process of not only general growth, but also the full development of the entire human body.

Its normal, natural concentration in the body becomes especially important during the period from the birth of a child to his puberty, because it is at this time that the hormone promotes the correct formation of the bone skeleton and all internal organs, and also completely controls growth.

The fastest growth of any person in his entire life occurs in the mother's womb. Over the entire period of gestation and development, the fetus from a small cell grows to 45-55 cm, and then these figures gradually decrease. For example, during the entire first year of life, the baby grows only 25 cm. Another period of sharp increase in growth occurs during puberty. At the same time, boys and girls “grow” differently - thanks to the action of hormones, especially somatotropic hormone, at the age of 11 to 13 years, girls grow by 8-9 cm. Boys - by 10-12 cm, but much later - at 13-13 years old. 15 years old.

In all subsequent years, human growth slows down significantly. Scientists have long established a connection between a person’s height and the period of puberty - after growing up, the amount of growth hormone in a teenager’s body changes and growth slows down. By the way, a sharp slowdown in growth is quite clearly observed in those whose puberty begins earlier than usual.

Attentive parents, during regular examinations by a pediatrician, need to pay attention not only to the general health of the baby, but also carefully monitor the child’s weight gain and height. These indicators may indicate a lack or, conversely, an excess of somatotropin (GH).

It is quite important to monitor the correct amount of this hormone, since it contributes not only to the growth of the child, but also to the correct formation and development of all its internal organs and tissues. Growth hormone also performs quite important functions in the human body, especially in a small child:

increases the formation of proteins and slows down their breakdown in the body, providing an anabolic effect;
accelerates the breakdown of fats, regulating and increasing the ratio between muscle mass and adipose tissue;
increases blood glucose levels by controlling carbohydrate metabolism;
helps bone tissue “absorb” calcium much better.

An increased amount of GH in young children during growth leads to gigantism, and in adults – to acromegaly. A reduced level of the hormone in children causes dwarfism, but in adults there are no visible symptoms of low GH. Obviously, with a significant lack of growth hormone, a small organism faces quite large and unpleasant consequences, therefore somatotropin is an important substance for the development of children. In adults, this hormone also continues to be produced in the body, but its level decreases significantly with age.

General characteristics

Somatotropin is a peptide hormone. Peptides are substances whose molecular formula consists of several amino acids connected in a chain by certain (peptide) bonds. Growth hormone is produced in the anterior pituitary gland, a small gland the size of a grape. Its production occurs in waves, with greater concentration occurring at night, so the statement: small children grow faster when they sleep is indeed true. In addition to sleep time, the production of hubbub increases significantly during physical activity. Protein-rich foods also lead to a sharp increase in GH levels.

The limits for determining the norm of growth hormone are 0.05-400 ng/ml - these indicators are considered a relative norm.

Indications for determining the level of somatotropin

An insufficient level of growth hormone quickly leads to the fact that the baby begins to lag behind his peers in development. In addition, the lack of growth hormone affects the rate of fat breakdown, leading to overweight and obesity. In young children, a lack of somatotropin leads to underdevelopment of muscles and quite serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

Its increased level leads to the fact that the bones begin to lengthen excessively. A child's growth does not stop even after puberty. In addition to gigantism, a teenager’s body proportions change and facial features become coarser. Frequent headaches and general weakness may bother you, but puberty is delayed. In adults, growth hormone is not very active, but still continues to be produced by the body and is responsible for maintaining the strength of the bone skeleton and muscle mass, and also regulates lipid metabolism.

With a significant increase in growth hormone, a pathology such as acromegaly develops - in children, growth hormone stimulates the natural elongation of bones, and in adults, “thanks to” growth hormone, the bone skeleton becomes unnaturally thick. In addition to this symptom, acromegaly causes thickening of the skin, increases not only the size of the feet and hands, but also all internal organs, and also provokes the growth of tumors. Painful sensations appear in the joints, sweating and fatigue increase.

All these pathologies lead to the emergence and development of more serious complications, provoking vascular and heart diseases, destroying joints and disrupting metabolic processes throughout the body.

It is necessary to identify pathology of the pituitary gland and disturbances in the level of growth hormone in infancy, since only at this time can the correct production of somatotropin be fully restored without certain negative manifestations regarding the child’s health. Therefore, parents should pay attention specifically to the baby’s growth - if the child seems much smaller than his peers, it’s time to sound the alarm. Parts of the baby's body may also change - the head becomes round, the neck is quite short, the feet, hands, and facial features become smaller.

In addition, bones become fragile - children have an increased risk of permanent fractures. The muscular corset of such children is also quite weak - the child cannot even withstand certain physical activities, and the skin becomes thin, almost transparent. Another sign of a violation of the level of growth hormone is sweating - if there is a lack of growth hormone, there is no sweat, but if there is an excess of it, the baby sweats quite a lot.

During puberty, some signs may also appear that indicate disturbances in the level of growth hormone. In boys, for example, the lack of the required level of somatotropin causes pale skin, enlarged mammary glands and the appearance of fat deposits in places more typical for women. The timbre of the voice also becomes unnaturally high.

A disproportionate physique, undeveloped muscles and significantly short stature also indicate disorders in the pituitary gland. In girls, the signs of a violation of the normal amount of GH are almost the same, only the mammary glands grow much more slowly. Both boys and girls with this disorder experience delayed sexual development - there is no hair in the armpits and pubic area, and girls do not begin menstruation for a long time.

In adults, you can also observe signs of growth hormone imbalance - hair loss occurs, sweating increases, and blood glucose levels drop sharply, especially after drinking alcohol. The development of osteoporosis and muscle weakness can be combined with signs of dwarfism or, conversely, symptoms of accelerated growth.

If all these pathologies appear, it is necessary to contact specialist doctors and take a blood test for growth hormone. Disturbances in the natural production of the hormone can be congenital, or they can also be acquired: for example, after a traumatic brain injury, certain infectious diseases, radiation, or as a result of surgery during which the pituitary gland was accidentally damaged. In some cases, GH disorders may occur as a result of tumors that affect the pituitary gland.

How to get tested for growth hormone?

A growth hormone test is never prescribed as part of a general examination of children or adults. This study is quite specific; it is carried out only in the presence of clinical signs and symptoms inherent in disturbances in the level of growth hormone. As a rule, for a complete examination and identification of the functions of the pituitary gland, not only an analysis of somatotropin is prescribed - tests are also carried out for the amount of other hormones. It should also be noted that blood tests for growth hormone are used in rare cases. The doctor first determines the pathology of the patient’s condition using data from other studies, and only then a test for the production of somatotropin is prescribed.

For analysis, venous blood is used, which is taken exclusively in the morning. In order to sufficiently increase the information content of the study, several rules should be followed: the patient should not eat food 12 hours before the scheduled blood donation. Also, the day before the test, it is necessary to avoid eating fatty, spicy, salty foods and sweets, not to take any medications, not to smoke or drink alcohol, and to avoid physical and emotional stress.

A test for growth hormone shows the level of this substance only in a person’s blood. Usually, along with a test for growth hormone, a test for insulin-like factor is also carried out - this is necessary in order to find out the average amount of somatotropin. Diagnosis of hidden abnormalities can be carried out using tests for stimulation or suppression of growth hormone, which is also required to assess the functions of the pituitary gland itself. The results obtained should be interpreted with caution, since the level of daily secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland is constantly changing. For a complete study and accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to measure the level of growth hormone several times and, as a result, take the average result. In some cases, an error in diagnosis is possible - you can draw the wrong conclusions by mistaking natural, daily fluctuations in somatotropin levels for abnormal ones.