Investigating pituitary function or working up symptoms that may be linked to growth hormone imbalance?
Measures a single fasted serum growth hormone level to screen for GH deficiency or excess and assess pituitary function. Because GH is released in pulses, a single result is a screening baseline; formal diagnosis typically requires stimulation or suppression testing.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.
1
Order a test
Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect the sample
Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.
3
Receive your results
View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!
Overview
Think of growth hormone as your body's master builder and renovator – it's the hormone responsible for helping children grow tall and keeping adults' muscles strong, bones dense, and metabolism humming. Produced by your pituitary gland (a small but mighty gland at the base of your brain), this hormone works around the clock, with levels naturally peaking while you sleep to repair tissues and maintain your body's essential functions.
A Growth Hormone test measures whether your body is producing the right amount of this vital hormone, which can reveal important insights about your health. In children, low levels might explain slow growth or delayed development, while in adults, deficiency can lead to stubborn belly fat, muscle weakness, bone thinning, and persistent fatigue. On the flip side, too much growth hormone can cause features like hands and feet to enlarge unnaturally. Whether you're concerned about your child's growth patterns or experiencing unexplained changes in your energy, body composition, or recovery from exercise, this test helps pinpoint whether your body's internal renovation crew is working properly.
Symptoms
Suited to adults or children with symptoms potentially related to GH deficiency (short stature in children, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, abnormal body composition, or history of pituitary damage in adults) or GH excess (acromegaly features such as progressive enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features, or a known pituitary tumour).
Questions
Growth hormone is released in pulses. A blood sample taken at a random time may catch the level at any point in this cycle. IGF-1 and specialised stimulation or suppression tests are used for formal diagnosis.
Food intake suppresses GH secretion. A fasted sample provides a more standardised baseline.
Acromegaly is a condition caused by persistent excess GH production, usually from a benign pituitary tumour. It causes gradual enlargement of the hands, feet, jaw, and soft tissues.
In adults, GH deficiency can cause increased body fat, reduced muscle mass, low energy, and adverse effects on bone density.
IGF-1 is produced by the liver in response to GH stimulation. Unlike GH, IGF-1 levels are stable throughout the day, making them a more reliable indicator of overall GH activity.
Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Biomarker Tested
No biomarkers found
How to prepare
Fasting is required for this test. Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water for a minimum of 8 hours before collection.
Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours before the test. Come to your appointment as relaxed as possible.
After the test
Address abnormal GH levels through comprehensive endocrine evaluation, appropriate hormone replacement therapy if deficient, treatment of underlying pituitary disorders, and regular monitoring. Work with endocrinologists.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Results are reported in milliUnits per litre (mU/L) or micrograms per litre (mcg/L). Reference ranges are highly dependent on age, sex, and the assay used. In healthy adults, random GH can range from very low to moderately elevated depending on when during the secretory cycle the sample is drawn.
A single random result is often insufficient to confirm or exclude a GH disorder. Your practitioner will assess the result in the context of IGF-1 and may recommend stimulation or suppression testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
