This test will determine the amount of IGF-1 ( insulin-like growth factor 1) in your blood.IGF-1 is a hormone whose effect is to of growth hormone (GH) in your body check. Together IGF-1 and GH contribute to normal growth bone and tissue. Depending on your diet and energy levels, blood levels of the hormone fluctuate during the day. However, IGF-1 levels remain consistent. Finally, the IGF-1 test is a useful way to recognize if your body produces normal amounts of the hormone.
Other name: Somatomedine C test.
What is it used for?
IGF-1 analysis is used to diagnose growth Hormonal disorders, what quantity:
- GH deficiency. In boys, GH is normally required for normal growth and maturation. A deficiency of growth hormone can cause children to grow slower and much shorter than children of the same age. In adults, hormone deficiency may result in low bone density and low muscle mass.
- Insensitivity to til hormone, also known as Laron’s syndrome. A rare genetic disorder in which the body cannot use the growth the hormones it produces. It also causes delayed growth lower than normal velocity and lower than normal in boys.
- Giants. It is a rare childhood disease in which the body has a lot of growth hormones it produces. Giant children are much older than their age and have huge arms and legs.
- Clam Gully. This is a disease that affects adult people and forces the body to make a lot of hormones . growth Hormones create. People with end-ons have thicker bones than normal as well as enlargement of arms, legs, and features.
Why do I need an IGF-1 test?
If you or your baby is showing signs of a hormone-related disorder, your doctor can prescribe an IGF-1 test.
Symptoms of GH deficiency or GH insensitivity in children are
- Slowed growth Compared to boys of the same age.
- Lifting, arms and legs, even at a younger weight than boys of the same age.
- Smaller penis in males
- Thin hair
- Poor nail growth
Older men who are deficient in growth hormone are more likely to experience these symptoms: fatigue, loss of bone density, and muscle mass. However, IGF-1 testing is not considered a simple event for mature individuals. This is because other conditions with far greater potential can cause these symptoms.
Symptoms of excess growth hormone (giants) in boys include
- Excessive growth Compared to children of the same age.
- Head is too large.
- Arms and legs are more normal.
- Light to moderate to moderate obesity.
Symptoms of excess elevated hormones in adults (endomysium) include
- Deep, hoarse voice
- Larger than normal features such as sponges, beak, tongue, etc.
- Sweating and annoying body odor
- thick stripes
- Rough, oily skin
- Irregular menstrual cycle in women.
- Erectile dysfunction
What happens during IGF-1 testing?
The physician takes blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for the IGF-1 test.
Is there any risk associated with this test?
If blood is ingested, there is not enough risk to you or your baby. There may be a little soreness or bruising where the needle is inserted, but most signs will disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
If your baby’s results show lower than normal IGF-1 levels, this probably means that he or she has GH deficiency or GH insensitivity. In babies, this could be caused by a genetic or brain disorder. Your baby has the opportunity to take advantage of healing with GH supplementation; GH supplementation is a drug made by people with growth hormones. if GH deficiency is diagnosed and treated early, some babies may can grow few centimeters arrive in the first year of healing. Others grow have fewer and slower, but still benefit from healing.
If the results show lower than normal IGF-1, this could be due to a normal age-related decrease in the hormone or another condition. The physician can order further studies to make a diagnosis.
Higher than normal IGF-1 levels can indicate giantism in boys and terminal system in adults. Gigantism and terminal aging are usually caused by tumors of the pituitary gland. Tumors of the pituitary gland, a small organ at the bottom of the brain, control almost all functions, including bodily functions. growth Treatment of the tumor can consist of radiation, surgery, and/or medication. If the condition is not caused by a tumor, you or your child may need more research.
Is there anything else I should know about IGF-1 testing?
Your doctor can order other blood tests to help diagnose GH disorder. These include
- GH stimulation test may help in the diagnosis of GH deficiency or non-significance
- GH suppression test may help diagnose GH surplus
- IGBP-3 analysis; IGBP-3 is a protein considered the most important carrier of IGF-1. This test can help in the diagnosis of GH deficiency, GH insensitivity, or GH surplus.
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