HGH Secretion Rates in Children

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone in the body that is released in a pulsatile fashion. High values of HGH can be normal because of the way the body releases the hormone.

Normal

Normal secretion of HGH in children is less than 20 ng/mL. In newborns, HGH secretion is higher, showing normal values from 15 to 40 ng/mL.

High Value

High values in children can indicate problems, including diabetes, starvation or kidney problems. Another reason can be because of gigantism caused by a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland secreting excess HGH. With gigantism, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) will be high, too.

Low Value

Low values of HGH in children may be the result of a condition known as dwarfism, which is caused by growth hormone deficiency. Another possible cause can be hypopituitarism, a diminished hormone secretion by the pituitary gland.

Test Factors

The levels of HGH are affected by several factors, including taking medications such as amphetamines, corticosteroids, insulin and estrogen. Other factors that can affect the levels of HGH in the blood include hypoglycemia, obesity and taking St. John's wort.

Checking Levels

When checking for HGH levels in the blood, it is best not to eat or drink anything 10 hours before getting the HGH test. Also, it is best not to exercise before testing for HGH in the blood. This blood test is done by the medical doctor and is only performed if growth is abnormal in a child.

References

• National Institute of Health
• Endocrinology Journal
• Lab Tests Online