Growth hormone (GH) blood test
Quick answer: A growth hormone test measures GH, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that controls growth and metabolism. Doctors order it, often as part of a stimulation or suppression test, to look for too little GH in children or too much GH in adults (acromegaly).
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes for a single sample; 2 to 4 hours for a dynamic test
- Before the testFast overnight and rest before the sample, as your doctor advises.
How the test is done
- 1You may need to fast and rest before the test
- 2A small tube may be placed in a vein for repeated samples
- 3For a stimulation or suppression test, you get a medicine or glucose drink
- 4Blood samples are taken at set times over a few hours
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Hormone ranges differ between labs and by age, sex and cycle day, so discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A low response in a stimulation test can point to growth hormone deficiency. A level that does not fall after a glucose drink can point to acromegaly, where too much growth hormone is made.
Who usually has this test
Children with slow growth or short stature, and adults with signs of acromegaly such as enlarging hands, feet or jaw.
Risks and aftercare
After a stimulation test you may feel tired or hungry; eat and rest, and a staff member will check you before you leave.
Names and options
Also called: GH, HGH
Listed by the hospital as
- GROWTH HORMONE, SERUM
Questions about this test
Why is a single growth hormone test often not enough?
Growth hormone is released in bursts, so one random level can be high or low by chance. Stimulation or suppression tests give clearer results.
What is a glucose suppression test?
You drink glucose and growth hormone is measured over a few hours. In healthy people it falls; if it does not, acromegaly may be present.
How is IGF-1 linked to growth hormone?
IGF-1 is made in response to growth hormone and stays steadier in blood. It is often checked first.
Related tests
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.