Normal Values of Growth Hormone
May 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Normal values:
- Adult males: < 2.0 μg/L
- Adult females: < 10.0 μg/L
- Children: < 20 μg/L
Physiological stimulation test: In healthy individuals, serum growth hormone (GH) levels increase during deep sleep or following food intake or exercise; thus, physiological stimuli may be utilized for clinical screening.
Exercise stimulation test: If the child is cooperative, exercise stimulation is the most convenient option.
Human serum growth hormone (GH) levels exhibit pulsatile secretion and have a relatively short half-life. Random blood sampling often fails to distinguish between healthy individuals and those with GH deficiency; therefore, a single blood sample measurement is clinically meaningless. Diagnosis typically requires pharmacological stimulation tests. So, what are the normal reference values for growth hormone?
Normal Growth Hormone Values
Reference ranges: - Adult males: < 2.0 μg/L - Adult females: < 10.0 μg/L - Children: < 20 μg/L Physiological stimulation tests: In healthy individuals, serum GH levels increase during deep sleep or following food intake or physical exercise; thus, physiological stimuli may be used for clinical screening.
Exercise stimulation test: If the child is cooperative, exercise stimulation is the most convenient method. After fasting for 3–4 hours, the child rests quietly for 30 minutes, then walks briskly on level ground for 15 minutes, followed by ascending and descending a single flight of stairs (approximately 20 steps) for 10–20 round trips (duration ~5 minutes). Blood samples are drawn before and after exercise. In 80%–90% of healthy children, plasma GH concentration peaks at ≥5–6 μg/L post-exercise; in contrast, children with pituitary dwarfism typically show no increase or a rise of <3 μg/L—warranting further confirmatory testing. Deep-sleep stimulation test: For accurate results, blood must be drawn during stage III or IV sleep under electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring.
Growth hormone deficiency can be treated with standardized, physician-supervised GH replacement therapy. However, GH therapy must not be initiated without confirmed diagnosis of GH deficiency, as inappropriate use may cause adverse effects. We hope this information is helpful to you!
