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Growth Hormone
Also known as: GH, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Somatotropin Formal name: Growth Hormone Related tests: IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1, also called Somatomedin C), GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone), Glucose Tolerance Test, Cortisol, ACTH, TSH, Glucose, Prolactin
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Common Questions
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1. What conditions are treated with GH therapy?
2. Why would athletes be tested for GH?
3. What other tests might be ordered to evaluate my GH production?
1. What conditions are treated with GH therapy?
Besides GHD, children may be treated with growth hormone replacement if they have:
- Chronic renal insufficiency
- Prader Willi syndrome
- Turner’s syndrome
Treating children with GH replacement who are short but do not have GHD is controversial. This is also true of adults, whether or not they have documented GHD. The medicine has associated risks and side effects, is expensive, and there are not enough data to support its benefits.
GH replacement is sometimes given to those with HIV/AIDS-related wasting (loss of lean muscle mass) to help maintain body weight.
2. Why would athletes be tested for GH?
Because GH promotes muscle growth in adults, it may be taken by some adults as a performance enhancing steroid. Athletes may be tested for GH when they are being tested for other performance enhancing drugs.
3. What other tests might be ordered to evaluate my GH production?
Although they are not routinely ordered, other tests, such as insulin-like growth factor-1, binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) are sometimes ordered to help evaluate GH production.
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This article was last reviewed on
May 30, 2005.
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