How to test GH deficiency?

[newbie]

I tested GH 3 times in 2014, 2015 and this year. Each time it came out at 0,05 ug/L which I believe is very low, especially because insulin is very low - 4 mE/L (ref 2-29,1). S-IGF-1 is 273 ug/L. I am 30 years old.

I read that S-IGF-1 is also not a reliable method to tell if somebody has enough GH. I read also that morning GH levels doesn't tell much because GH has very short lifetime. But then I read that people has morning value at 1 or 2 ug/L. Wouldn't be than in my case at least once in 3 different tests more than just 0,05 ug/L, especially if my insulin is so low?

I know that GH stimulation test can show deficiency. But my doctor won't do that test and the only way to get GH stimulation is through my doctor.

I have all symptoms of deficiency. Is there any other method beside GH stimulation test to suspect GH deficiency?

 

[Michael Scally MD]

What symptoms? sGH is worthless. sIGF1 is the initial screen.

 

[newbie]

A higher level of body fat around the waist
Decreased sexual function and interest
Fatigue
Less muscle (lean body mass)
Less strength, stamina and ability to exercise
Sleeping problem
-...
My thyroid is ok. I tried testosterone therapy but I didn't feel any big difference. I don't think it is depression because I still have goals in my life, I live relaxed life and I want to live. I have will, if it would help I would go running hundreds of miles. But my body can not tolerate even light training.

I read that sIGF1 is not reliable method:
"First, IGF-I synthesis is not only regulated by GH but also by nutrient supply and by other hormones; Although serum IGF-I cannot be used as a stand-alone test for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency, very low IGF-I levels in the context of documented hypothalamic or pituitary disease may be helpful in identifying patients with a high probability of GH deficiency"
from IGF-I measurements in the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency. - PubMed - NCBI

 

[Dr JIM]

1)
A higher level of body fat around the waist
Decreased sexual function and interest
Fatigue
Less muscle (lean body mass)
Less strength, stamina and ability to exercise
Sleeping problem

2)
I don't think it is depression because I still have goals in my life.

1)
Oh hell yea GH deficiency is the most common cause of those non-specific symptoms, NOT EVEN CLOSE!

2) How prophetic you mentioned a VERY COMMON etiology of the symptoms you have, yet are pursuing ZEBRAS when HORSES are staring you in the face!

Good luck your Doc knows much more than you give him credit for, as GH stimulus testing is primarily indicated in those situations when screening assays are equivocal and are inconsistent with a patients clinical signs and symptoms!

 

[newbie]

1)
Oh hell yea GH deficiency is the most common cause of those non-specific symptoms, NOT EVEN CLOSE!

2) How prophetic you mentioned a VERY COMMON etiology of the symptoms you have, yet are pursuing ZEBRAS when HORSES are staring you in the face!

Good luck your Doc knows much more than you give him credit for, as GH stimulus testing is primarily indicated in those situations when screening assays are equivocal and are inconsistent with a patients clinical signs and symptoms!

My question was solid and I don't know why such an arrogant answer.

I told you my symptoms and problems, I am not sure what is wrong with that.

Not all doctors are right, there are good and not unprofessional doctors around, just like in every business. And since my doctor can not help me I will keep trying myself. And I won't let my health to be like 90 years old for the rest of my life.

Why do you think it is so impossible to be GH deficiency at least in some degree? Rather providing such answer please tell me if you think my morning levels every time at 0,05 is normal when other people has it at 1 or 2?

 

[master.on]

I've read that GH is secreted in pulses so you can test falsely low if measured between these pulses.
IGF1 is much more stable during the day.

Besides labs mainstream labs only test IGF1 so you'll need to either travel yourself or send your blood sample a long way for an special test.

Why not just try a brief "cycle" of doctor prescribed GH to see if symptoms improve?
That would be the ultimate answer.