When considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for testosterone or human growth hormone (HGH), it is important to undergo lab testing to determine your current hormone levels and assess the appropriateness of treatment. Here is a list of common lab tests that are used to evaluate testosterone and HGH levels:
Tests for Testosterone:
Total testosterone: This measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood, including both bound and unbound testosterone. The normal range for total testosterone in men is typically between 300-1000 ng/dL.
Free testosterone: This measures the amount of unbound testosterone in your blood, which is the form of testosterone that is biologically active and can have an effect on your body. The normal range for free testosterone in men is typically between 47-244 pg/mL.
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG): This measures the amount of SHBG in your blood, which is a protein that binds to testosterone and can affect the amount of free testosterone that is available. The normal range for SHBG in men is typically between 10-57 nmol/L.
Tests for HGH:
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): This measures the level of IGF-1 in your blood, which is a hormone that is produced in response to HGH and is used as a surrogate marker for HGH levels. The normal range for IGF-1 in men is typically between 115-307 ng/mL.
Growth hormone stimulation test: This involves administering a substance that stimulates the release of HGH and measuring the level of HGH in your blood over a period of time. This test can be used to diagnose growth hormone deficiency and assess the effectiveness of HGH therapy.
GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulation test: This is similar to the growth hormone stimulation test, but involves administering a synthetic form of GHRH instead of a substance that directly stimulates HGH release.
These lab tests are just one aspect of evaluating the appropriateness of HRT for testosterone or HGH. Your healthcare provider will also take into account your medical history, symptoms, and physical exam findings when making a treatment plan. Additionally, regular monitoring of hormone levels and symptom management will be necessary once treatment has started.
Lab testing is an important tool for evaluating the appropriateness of HRT for testosterone or HGH. Tests for testosterone include total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG, while tests for HGH include IGF-1, growth hormone stimulation tests, and GHRH stimulation tests. These tests, in conjunction with other clinical findings, can help determine the need for hormone replacement therapy and monitor treatment effectiveness.