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Post by snowgirl on Dec 24, 2008 13:23:49 GMT -5
I recently had my IGF-1 tested for the first time and was very surprised that it came back high:
Somat-C/IGF-1 280 range 106-277
I know you said that you should also have GH tested because IGF-1 can miss GH deficiency, but when I asked my doc about that, she was unfamiliar with that test, and she's an osteopath who specializes in HRT. When I asked at the lab, they didn't seem to know what I was talking about either.
Does the GH test have some other specific name, or is it just GH?
Also, does the fact that my IGF-1 is high make it less likely that this is an area of concern for me, or do I need to see the GH to know that for sure?
Many thanks and happy holidays!
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Post by Lethal Lee on Dec 24, 2008 16:05:10 GMT -5
I recently had my IGF-1 tested for the first time and was very surprised that it came back high: Somat-C/IGF-1 280 range 106-277 I know you said that you should also have GH tested because IGF-1 can miss GH deficiency, but when I asked my doc about that, she was unfamiliar with that test, and she's an osteopath who specializes in HRT. When I asked at the lab, they didn't seem to know what I was talking about either. Does the GH test have some other specific name, or is it just GH? Also, does the fact that my IGF-1 is high make it less likely that this is an area of concern for me, or do I need to see the GH to know that for sure? Many thanks and happy holidays! Hi There & Merry Xmas , That result actually doesnt look too high. Chris uses a different range that goes up to 350 from memory. Lab ranges are pretty flawed in his opinion. GH stands for Growth Hormone & is a pretty standard test that most Labs would do I would think. Yes IGF-1 & GH results dont necessary correlate. My IGF-1 was less than 1/3 rd in range & GH was undetectable. That doesnt necessarily mean I have a GH deficiency as GH release is pulsatile (released in spurts). The only way to really know for sure about GH deficiency is to do another stimulation test called an Arginine Stim. But Chris recommends no treatment for GH until Adrenals, Thyroid and Sex Hormones are optimised as that can raise low GH. As GH HRT is expensive establishing DX of deficiency is worthwhile as your insurance may then cover the full or part cost.
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Post by justaustin on Dec 24, 2008 19:42:04 GMT -5
It's true that growth hormone is produced in a pusitile fashion, however it occurs when glucose is at it's lowest(at night/early morning). So testing as early as possible in the morning/fasting makes sense. Insulin tolerance tests are done---drive down glucose (quite low) and see if growth hormone increases.
Laurie
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Post by snowgirl on Dec 25, 2008 23:38:13 GMT -5
Thanks for all the information. My doc didn't see the need to wait to address GH, but I agree it makes sense to get everything else optimised first. So I'll put it on the shelf until then.
Happy Holidays!
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