Understanding the Growth Hormone blood test

The Growth Hormone blood test measures the level of growth hormone (GH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a vital role in growth, tissue repair, metabolism, muscle mass, bone density, and fat regulation.

In adults, growth hormone supports normal body composition, energy levels, and cardiovascular health. In children and adolescents, it is essential for normal growth and development. Abnormal growth hormone levels may indicate pituitary disorders, hormone deficiencies, or hormone overproduction.

Because growth hormone is released in pulses throughout the day, a single measurement is often interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and, where appropriate, additional dynamic hormone testing.

When a Growth Hormone blood test is recommended

This test is recommended when there is suspicion of abnormal growth hormone production, either too low or too high. Symptoms can be subtle and may overlap with other hormonal or metabolic conditions.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Have unexplained fatigue or reduced energy
• Experience reduced muscle mass or increased body fat
• Have delayed growth or short stature (children)
• Have abnormal growth patterns or enlarged features
• Have suspected pituitary gland disorders
• Are being assessed for hormone imbalance
• Have osteoporosis or reduced bone density
• Are monitoring known pituitary conditions

Benefits of the Growth Hormone test

• Assesses pituitary gland function
  Evaluates growth hormone production.
• Supports diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency
  Useful in both adults and children.
• Helps identify growth hormone excess
  Important for conditions such as acromegaly.
• Aids investigation of metabolic changes
  Links hormone levels with body composition.
• Supports evaluation of growth disorders
  Essential in paediatric assessment.
• Simple blood test with no preparation required
  No fasting or lifestyle changes needed.
• Useful for baseline and follow-up assessment
  Helps monitor hormonal conditions.
• Provides clinically actionable information
  Guides further endocrine testing or referral.

How the test is carried out

We offer two convenient UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is analysed in a certified laboratory
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, workplace, or hotel
• Blood is collected at a time convenient for you
• No clinic visit required
• Available nationwide across the UK

Both options provide the same laboratory accuracy and clinical reliability.

Understanding your Growth Hormone test results

Low Growth Hormone levels

Low growth hormone levels may suggest growth hormone deficiency, which can affect growth in children and body composition, energy, and bone health in adults.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Below laboratory reference range

Further dynamic testing is often required for confirmation.

Normal Growth Hormone levels

Normal levels indicate expected pituitary growth hormone secretion at the time of testing.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Within laboratory reference range

Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms due to natural hormone fluctuations.

High Growth Hormone levels

High growth hormone levels may indicate excess hormone production, often linked to pituitary adenomas or conditions such as acromegaly.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Above laboratory reference range

Further endocrine assessment is usually recommended.