Growth Hormone (hGH) Test

A serum growth hormone (hGH or STH) test measures the level of this peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a pivotal role in stimulating linear growth in children and adolescents through its effect on growth plate tissue. In adults, it continues to perform vital functions such as maintaining lean body mass (muscle), bone density, and regulating fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It is secreted in pulses, particularly during deep sleep, which makes random blood measurements of limited value and often necessitates stimulatory or inhibitory testing.