Hormone & Endocrine - Bloody Good
Hormone

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

The IGF-1 Blood Test measures insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone influenced by growth hormone that plays a role in growth, metabolism, and muscle repair. Abnormal levels may be linked to growth disorders, metabolic problems, or hormone imbalances, while healthy levels support strength, energy, and development.

Doctor Reviewed

Personalised Reports

Early Detection

Skip to product information
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

Concerned about growth issues, experiencing muscle weakness, or suspected growth hormone problems and want assessment of growth hormone function?

Overview

The IGF-1 test measures a hormone that acts like your body's "growth and repair manager," coordinating everything from muscle maintenance to bone strength throughout your life. Think of IGF-1 as growth hormone's faithful messenger – when your brain releases growth hormone, your liver responds by producing IGF-1, which then travels throughout your body ensuring tissues grow properly, muscles stay strong, and metabolism runs smoothly.

This test is particularly valuable because IGF-1 levels reveal whether your growth hormone system is working properly, helping doctors identify issues like growth delays in children, unexplained muscle weakness or fatigue in adults, or conditions where the body produces too much growth hormone. Whether you're concerned about a child's growth pattern, experiencing symptoms like persistent fatigue and muscle loss, or monitoring treatment for hormone-related conditions, IGF-1 testing provides crucial insights into your body's ability to maintain and repair itself effectively.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Feeling tired all the time Loss of muscle mass or sarcopenia Age-related muscle loss Anti-aging health assessment Difficulty growing facial hair (men)

Purpose

Essential for individuals with growth disorders, muscle wasting, pituitary concerns, or anyone needing comprehensive growth hormone and metabolic assessment.

How to prepare

No special preparation required. Inform healthcare provider of all medications, growth hormone therapy, and any factors that might affect IGF-1 levels or interpretation.

Understanding results

Results show IGF-1 levels compared to age-appropriate normal ranges. Abnormal levels may indicate growth hormone dysfunction requiring further evaluation and specialized treatment.

After the test

Address abnormal IGF-1 through growth hormone therapy for deficiency, treatment of underlying pituitary conditions, and regular monitoring. Work with endocrinologists for hormone disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • IGF-1 is a hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone; it promotes growth, tissue repair, and metabolic regulation.
  • Low levels may indicate growth hormone deficiency; high levels may suggest growth hormone excess or acromegaly requiring further evaluation.
  • Symptoms may include short stature in children, muscle weakness, fatigue, bone problems, and metabolic dysfunction in adults.
  • Causes include pituitary tumors, genetic conditions, brain injuries, infections, and certain medications affecting pituitary function.
  • Treatment may include growth hormone replacement therapy, treatment of underlying pituitary conditions, and management of associated complications.
  • Some growth hormone deficiencies can be treated with replacement therapy, but the response depends on the underlying cause and timing of treatment.
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

BOOK YOUR TEST

Includes Biomarker:

30 Day Money Back Guarantee

How it works

What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

Before vs. Bloody Good

Start tracking your health with real data.

Order online in minutes and get clear doctor‑reviewed results in your private dashboard.

Old Way

Traditional System

  • Confusing reports and medical jargon in a PDF (if you're lucky to get a report)
  • One‑off results — no trend tracking or context
  • Hidden costs and long clinic queues
  • Waiting days for simple answers
  • No proactive insights to prevent issues

The Bloody Good Way

Cheeky brand. Serious health results.

  • 4000+ collection centres throughout Australia or book a home visit
  • Results in ~48 hours for most tests, reviewed by a doctor
  • Clear explanations in your private dashboard — not jargon
  • Track biomarkers over time with personalised recommendations
  • Up‑front pricing. No surprises. Start today.

Take a deep dive into your health

Our comprehensive health checkups test everything you need to know about your body.

See the range

Heart Health

12 tests

Cardiovascular markers and risk assessment

Liver Function

8 tests

Liver enzymes and detoxification markers

Blood Tests

25 tests

Complete blood count, lipid panel, and more

Kidney Health

6 tests

Kidney function and filtration tests

Thyroid Panel

5 tests

Complete thyroid function assessment

Vitamins & Minerals

15 tests

Essential nutrient levels and deficiencies

Hormones

10 tests

Hormone balance and endocrine function

Bone Health

4 tests

Bone density and calcium metabolism