Growth hormone (GH) tests are blood tests that check to see if your body is making a normal amount of GH. GH, also known as human growth hormone, is a substance that controls your body's growth. It also helps control metabolism, the process of how your body uses food and energy. GH is made in the pituitary gland , a small organ in the base of the brain.
In children, GH plays a major role in bone growth, development of muscle mass, and height. In adults, GH affects bone and muscle health. If children or adults have too much or too little GH, it can cause health problems.
GH levels in the blood fluctuate throughout the day depending on your diet and activity levels. So, a standard blood test doesn't usually provide helpful information about GH levels. Instead, GH levels are usually checked in tests that measure other substances, such as hormones and proteins, that are related to GH production.
Other names: GH test, human growth hormone test, somatropin test, growth hormone stimulation test, growth hormone suppression test