Patient's Query
Dear doctor,
I want to test myself for HGH deficiency. Can you tell me a complete guide on how I should proceed? What tests should I do? After I have done them, can I post them here for a thorough examination from your doctors, so that they can tell me whether I am HGH-deficient?
I want to test that because I have hypothyroidism and I am taking Levothyroxine, and my levels are now normal. They were not normal two years ago, and I had severe symptoms of hypothyroidism (severe fatigue, severe muscle cramps, lethargy, brain focus problems, pretty much all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism).
Moreover, I made tests back then, and I saw that my somatropin levels were a lot below the normal.
My reasons for this testing are that I think that this hypothyroidism has really stunted my growth and pretty much everything in my development. From 16 to 19 years, I have not treated my hypothyroidism, and I just lagged behind in development compared to my peers.
Now I just want to see if I can do anything. Maybe if I have HGH deficiency, I still could manage to grow a little withHGH replacement or something.
My age is 21, I also have beta thalassemia minor. I do not have any other medical issues.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
You need to checkIGF1 level (insulin-like growth factor 1), liver function, kidney function tests, and hemoglobin level. Also, please take an X-ray of your left elbow and left knee joint AP view (anteroposterior view) to assess the bone age, and to check whether the ends of the bones still have room enough to allow growth, or they have fused.
Kindly mention your height and your parents' height. You may also send your latest thyroid reports.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
What exactly should be the liver function and kidney function tests? What others should I include in the blood tests? What factors should I test?
My height is 5'7". My father's height is 5'8". My mother's height is 5'6".
Moreover, are there any other tests that I should take or these are enough for you to assess HGH deficiency?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Liver tests include serum albumin, SGOT, SGPT (or ALT, AST), serum bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase.
Kidney tests include blood urea and serum creatinine.
IGF1 will give a preliminary idea about growth hormone status.
Other confirmatory tests need to be done to make a final diagnosis. But those tests have to be done by and in the presence of a hormone specialist or a physician.
Was this conversation helpful?
Education:
MBBS
Professional Bio:
Dr. Ravikiran is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Diabetology. He is an expert in tackling any complicated medical cases and can provide an expert opinion.
This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.
Dr. Ravikiran. M
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Dr. Ravikiran. M
Endocrinology
Related Questions
Hypothyroidism: Effect on Voice
I have severe fatigue with positive ANA test and bumpy rash on abdomen. Please help.
Hypothyroidism and Migraine: Understanding the Link
Can Levothyroxine intake be harmful to liver and kidney?
Can Levothyroxine decrease the TSH level?
Why am I having severe fatigue and weakness in my limbs?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.