Medical Health Encyclopedia

Growth hormone

Why the test is performed:

Growth hormone may be measured when there is abnormal growth in adults and children or when there is a history of a pituitary problem.

Growth hormone is released from the anterior pituitary gland. Pituitary adenomas can produce excess growth hormone. This can cause abnormal growth patterns called acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children. Excess growth hormone can increase blood pressure and blood sugar.

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Individuals with growth hormone resistance or known pituitary disease may not produce enough growth hormone. In children this can cause short stature. In adults, growth hormone insufficiency can lead to changes in muscle mass, cholesterol levels, and bone strength.

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