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Wachstumshormon

Growth Hormone · HGH · GH · Somatotropin

Hormone — GH/IGF-AchseNüchtern erforderlichZeitabhängig
Einheit:
ng/mL
Abbreviation
GH / HGH

Growth Hormone test quantifies the level of growth hormone in the blood, reflecting pituitary function and metabolic activity.

Reference Ranges

Reference
0.410ng/mL
0.4
10
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mL

Levels vary by age, sex, and time of day; fasting morning samples are preferred.

Overview

Übersicht

Growth Hormone (GH), also known as Human Growth Hormone (HGH), is a peptide hormone that plays a critical role in growth, metabolism, and body composition. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates growth in almost all tissues, including bone and muscle. GH also influences protein synthesis, lipolysis, and glucose metabolism. Clinically, GH levels are significant in diagnosing and managing conditions such as growth hormone deficiency, acromegaly, and short stature. Researchers found that GH therapy can be beneficial in children with growth failure due to GH deficiency or other conditions like Turner syndrome and chronic renal insufficiency. However, GH's role in adults is more complex, with potential implications for aging and metabolic health. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, GH is often discussed for its anabolic effects, although its use is controversial and regulated due to potential side effects and ethical concerns. Some studies suggest GH may improve muscle mass and reduce fat, but the evidence for its effectiveness in enhancing athletic performance is mixed. Caveats in GH measurement include its pulsatile secretion pattern, which can lead to variability in levels depending on the time of day and recent physical activity. Fasting and standardized testing conditions are recommended to ensure accurate assessment. Researchers observed that factors such as stress, sleep, and nutrition can also influence GH levels, making it important to consider these when interpreting results.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated GH levels can indicate acromegaly or pituitary tumors, while low levels may suggest growth hormone deficiency or hypopituitarism. Both conditions require further evaluation and management.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising GH levels may suggest pituitary dysfunction or tumor growth. Re-test in 4-6 weeks if levels are outside the normal range.

Falling Values

Progressively falling GH levels may indicate declining pituitary function or response to treatment.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Acromegaly
  • Pituitary adenoma
  • Stress
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Exercise
Cause

Low Levels

  • Growth hormone deficiency
  • Hypopituitarism
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Malnutrition
  • Aging
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise
  • Adequate sleep
  • Stress management
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet
  • Adequate protein intake
Lever

Supplementation

  • Arginine
  • Glutamine

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement, especially if considering GH therapy.

Testing Guidelines

🍽️Fasting Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

GH levels are highest at night; morning fasting samples are recommended for consistency.

Testing Frequency

Annually for those with known deficiencies or on GH therapy.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Acute illness
  • Stress

Related Markers

Related Peptides & Hormones

Igf 1

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the optimal timing, dosing, and long-term effects of growth hormone therapy in diverse genetic contexts, such as RASopathies, remain debated. Researchers have not yet established definitive reference ranges for growth hormone levels in various populations, particularly in children with idiopathic short stature. Additionally, clinical questions regarding the interplay between growth hormone therapy and other endocrine disorders, as well as its impact on final adult height, remain unanswered.

23 Research Publications

615

Total Citations

2.4

Avg. Influence

2023

Latest

Sort
#01

Growth Hormone and Aging: Updated Review.

ReviewInfluence4.0
107
This review analyzed the role of growth hormone in aging. Researchers observed that while GH levels decline with age, the absence of GH signals may slow aging in laboratory mice, although results in humans are less clear.
View on PubMed
#02

Laboratory measurement of growth hormone.

ReviewInfluence7.0
98
This review discussed the complexities of measuring growth hormone in clinical settings. Researchers observed that discrepancies in assay results can arise from the heterogeneous nature of GH and the presence of binding proteins, highlighting the need for standardized measurement strategies.
View on PubMed
#03

Ghrelin and cancer progression.

ReviewInfluence4.0
78
This review explored the role of ghrelin, a peptide linked to growth hormone secretion, in cancer progression. Researchers found that ghrelin may influence cancer metastasis and proliferation, suggesting a potential pathological role in various cancers.
View on PubMed
#04

Iatrogenic Alzheimer's disease in recipients of cadaveric pituitary-derived growth hormone.

Case ReportInfluence2.0
75
This study reported on the potential link between cadaveric pituitary-derived growth hormone and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found evidence suggesting that recipients of this treatment may develop dementia and biomarker changes associated with Alzheimer's.
View on PubMed
#05

Insulin and Growth Hormone Balance: Implications for Obesity.

ReviewInfluence1.0
68
This review discussed the balance between insulin and growth hormone (GH) and its implications for obesity. Researchers found that disruptions in this balance can contribute to obesity and proposed using the insulin to GH ratio as a biomarker for predicting obesity development.
View on PubMed
#06

The Use and Abuse of Human Growth Hormone in Sports.

ReviewInfluence2.0
43
This clinical review discussed the use and abuse of recombinant human growth hormone in sports. Researchers noted that while rHGH has therapeutic benefits for those with growth hormone deficiency, its use in healthy adults remains uncertain and is banned in competitive sports.
View on PubMed
#07

Growth hormone replacement in adults - current standards and new perspectives.

ReviewInfluence1.0
37
This review discussed the current standards and perspectives on growth hormone replacement in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Researchers found that GH treatment can improve body composition and quality of life, though long-term effects on mortality and cardiovascular events remain to be established.
View on PubMed
#08

Growth Hormone Therapy in Heart Failure.

Review
22
This article examined the impact of growth hormone deficiency in chronic heart failure. Researchers found that while animal studies showed beneficial effects of GH treatment, clinical results have been less conclusive.
View on PubMed
#09

Growth and growth hormone: An overview.

ReviewInfluence1.0
21
This overview highlighted the importance of growth as an indicator of child health. Researchers found that growth hormone deficiency can lead to various health issues, emphasizing the need for careful assessment and monitoring.
View on PubMed
#10

History of growth hormone therapy.

ReviewInfluence2.0
20
This historical review outlined the evolution of growth hormone therapy. Researchers found that the transition from cadaver-derived to recombinant growth hormone significantly improved treatment availability, but concerns about misuse and abuse in various contexts persist.
View on PubMed

Publication Trend

Research publications about Wachstumshormon over time

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