Growth Hormone Levels Chart

Growth hormone deficiency is a condition missed by many general physicians because they have little (or no) training in hormone levels and imbalances. Although they have access to lab results such as the ones shown in the growth hormone levels chart in each of the following two sections, most doctors prefer to send their patients to specialists trained in the field of hormone replacement when symptoms of hormonal imbalance are present, and no other medical cause is detected. A diagnosis of GH deficiency is based on more than just lab results, although that is a large part of the process. Common symptoms of low GH levels include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Low libido
• Premature aging
• Muscle and bone decline
• Frequent illness

An HGH levels chart used by HRT specialists does not measure the value of growth hormone in the bloodstream. This would require hours of testing because GH release is sporadic – occurring in pulsatile bursts every three to five hours and lasting only minutes in the bloodstream. Instead of measuring growth hormone levels directly, the hormone specialist uses a different measurement – the IGF-1 blood test to assess GH levels. Each of the two charts below provides ratios for insulin growth factor 1 levels in the body based on gender and age. Why do hormone therapy specialists use the IGF-1 measurement? Insulin growth factor 1 levels are maintained in the bloodstream at a relatively constant level throughout the day. The liver determines the amount of IGF-1 to release based on how much growth hormone the organ receives. If GH levels are low, then IGF-1 will most likely decline, as well. The charts below demonstrate how doctors measure adults at different ages for growth hormone deficiency. A combination of blood test results, symptoms, severity of the symptoms, overall health as detailed in a physical exam report, and the individual’s own health history profile will show who can benefit from HGH therapy.

HGH Levels in Men

Diagnosing low HGH levels in males begins with an examination of symptoms and lifestyle habits. Poor sleep, lack of exercise, improper nutrition, illness, medications, and high stress can all affect growth hormone production. Men with low growth hormone levels often notice some of the following symptoms:

• Lack of energy
• Depression
• Loss of bone and muscle mass
• Increased belly fat
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low sex drive
• Impaired immunity
• Reduced drive and productivity
• Hair loss or thinning
• Aging skin
• Trouble seeing clearly at night

These are only some of the changes that accompany growth hormone deficiency. For a full list of GH deficiency symptoms, click here. The hormone specialist will run a comprehensive blood panel and assess growth hormone levels with the IGF-1 blood test using the HGH levels chart by age as posted below:

Growth Hormone Levels in Women

Assessing growth hormone deficiency in females is essentially the same as with males. A close look at symptoms and overall health is necessary to determine which blood tests will best provide the needed answers. Because GH decline also mimics low testosterone, progesterone deficiency, anemia, estrogen dominance, and other health issues, it is imperative that the specialist rule out other medical problems at the same time as diagnosing low GH levels. Many women with growth hormone deficiency feel as though they are aging faster than their friends. Thinning hair and increased wrinkles add to this effect. Muscle weakness, bodily stiffness and pain, frequent colds, low libido, vaginal dryness, sensitivity to changes in temperature, mood swings, and depression are typical complaints. The HGH levels chart below measures a woman’s IGF-1 levels at different ages: At Kingsberg Medical, our doctors are specialists in the field of hormone replacement therapy. They test for and treat a range of different hormonal imbalances. To find out more about arranging for your personal blood test at a local lab, please contact our clinic for a confidential consultation at no cost.
Brian Leeber