Hormones
Growth Hormone (GH)
Unit: ng/mLID: H015
What This Test Measures
Direct measurement of growth hormone (limited utility when random)
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
0-5 ng/mLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
2-4 ng/mLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
GH is pulsatile (released in bursts), so random GH testing is not useful. IGF-1 is a better marker of GH status. GH stimulation testing (insulin tolerance test) is gold standard for GH deficiency diagnosis. Functional medicine focuses on IGF-1 and optimizing natural GH secretion.
When This Test Is High
Acromegaly, gigantism
When This Test Is Low
GH deficiency
Related Conditions
GH deficiency, aging, poor recovery
Recommended Follow-Up
Random GH not useful; use IGF-1 or GH stimulation test