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IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 — the most reliable non-dynamic surrogates for growth hormone status, measured from a single fasted blood draw.
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A specialist two-marker panel measuring IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) and IGFBP-3 as stable surrogate markers for growth hormone status.
Growth hormone (GH) cannot be measured reliably from a single blood sample because it is secreted in pulses throughout the day, with levels fluctuating dramatically hour to hour. Instead, clinicians measure IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) — a stable, liver-produced marker that reflects the cumulative 24-hour growth hormone output. IGFBP-3 (IGF-binding protein 3) is the main carrier protein for IGF-1 and adds further context.
Together, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 provide the most reliable non-dynamic assessment of growth hormone status available from a standard blood draw. Low IGF-1 with low IGFBP-3 raises concern for growth hormone deficiency, which in adults manifests as fatigue, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat (particularly visceral), poor bone density, and reduced wellbeing. Elevated IGF-1, conversely, may indicate acromegaly — a condition of growth hormone excess.
This is a specialist panel recommended for those with clinical indicators of growth hormone axis dysfunction, individuals recovering from pituitary surgery or radiotherapy, and those on growth hormone replacement who require monitoring. Venous draw at a partner clinic required. GMC-physician reviewed results within 5 to 7 working days.
Understand what each marker measures, why it matters, and what the science says — not just a list of numbers.
Liver-produced growth factor that reflects cumulative 24-hour growth hormone output; the primary clinical surrogate for GH status.
Main carrier protein for IGF-1; adds diagnostic context and is also growth hormone-dependent, providing corroborating evidence of GH axis function.
This panel is designed for adults who want a comprehensive, evidence-based picture of their metabolic health — not a GP referral panel.
Adults with unexplained fatigue, muscle loss, and increased visceral body fat
Those with a history of pituitary tumour, surgery, or radiotherapy
Individuals on growth hormone replacement therapy requiring monitoring
Athletes investigating recovery or body composition changes
IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 are the most clinically useful non-dynamic markers for growth hormone status, but they cannot replace stimulation testing (insulin tolerance test or glucagon stimulation test) for a definitive diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency. IGF-1 levels are influenced by nutritional status, liver function, age, sex, puberty stage (in younger adults), and insulin resistance. Low IGF-1 in the context of malnutrition or liver disease does not indicate growth hormone deficiency. Significantly elevated IGF-1 requires specialist endocrine assessment and imaging to exclude acromegaly. This panel does not include baseline pituitary function markers such as prolactin, FSH, LH, or cortisol.
From order to physician-reviewed report in as little as three working days.
Three options designed to fit your schedule, location, and preference — all producing a laboratory-standard sample.
Adults 18+ in mainland UK. Not suitable if you have had a transfusion in the last 3 months.
Order anytime; kit dispatched within 24 hours Mon–Fri.
Allow 24–48 hours for sample transit on top of lab processing time.
Adults 18+ within 20 miles of a serviced city centre.
Mon–Sun, 06:00–20:00. Next-day booking typical.
Sample reaches the lab within 24 hours of collection.
Adults 16+ with photo ID. Paediatric draws by appointment at selected sites.
Mon–Fri, with Saturday hours at most metropolitan locations.
Samples processed same-day at the receiving clinic.
Every test is processed in a UKAS ISO 15189-accredited laboratory, overseen by GMC-registered physicians, and governed by UK GDPR. No overseas processing, no offshore data.
Follow these guidelines to ensure accurate, reproducible results. Most markers are sensitive to recent food, exercise, and sleep.
Can't find your answer? Our clinical support team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
Contact supportGrowth hormone is secreted in short pulses, primarily during sleep, with levels fluctuating by as much as 100-fold across a 24-hour period. A single blood sample might catch a peak, a trough, or anything in between — making a direct GH measurement essentially uninterpretable without knowing exactly when in the secretory cycle the sample was taken. IGF-1, by contrast, is produced continuously by the liver in response to cumulative GH stimulation and remains relatively stable throughout the day. It therefore acts as an integrated measure of GH output over the preceding 24 hours, making it far more useful clinically.
Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is a recognised medical condition associated with reduced quality of life, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk. Common features include: persistent fatigue and poor energy despite adequate sleep; increased abdominal fat and reduced muscle mass and strength; impaired exercise capacity; low mood, anxiety, and reduced sense of wellbeing; poor bone density (increasing fracture risk); and unfavourable lipid profiles. Many of these features overlap with other conditions such as hypothyroidism, low testosterone, or depression, which is why biochemical confirmation via IGF-1 is important before pursuing formal dynamic testing.
Acromegaly is a rare condition caused by a benign pituitary tumour (somatotroph adenoma) that produces excess growth hormone. In adults, this does not cause height gain (as the growth plates are fused) but instead causes progressive enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features, along with metabolic complications including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Elevated IGF-1 is the primary biochemical screening test for acromegaly, and a significantly elevated result warrants urgent specialist referral for dynamic suppression testing (oral glucose tolerance test with GH measurement) and pituitary MRI.
Yes, significantly. IGF-1 is highly sensitive to nutritional status, particularly protein and total caloric intake. Prolonged caloric restriction, protein malnutrition, or significant weight loss can suppress IGF-1 substantially, even in individuals with normal growth hormone secretion. This is an important confounding factor: an underweight or recently crash-dieting individual may have falsely low IGF-1 that reflects nutritional status rather than growth hormone axis dysfunction. Your physician report will consider your clinical context in interpreting the result, and fasting for the required period before testing ensures the collection environment is standardised.
Adults receiving growth hormone replacement therapy (prescribed in the UK for confirmed AGHD on the basis of specialist assessment and dynamic testing) require regular IGF-1 monitoring to ensure dose adequacy and safety. The goal of replacement therapy is typically to restore IGF-1 to the age-adjusted normal range without exceeding the upper reference limit. Trupoint Health’s panel provides a convenient way to monitor IGF-1 between NHS endocrine appointments, with physician-reviewed commentary that contextualises your result against your target range and current dose. Please share results with your prescribing endocrinologist.
Yes. Resistance training and adequate sleep both stimulate growth hormone secretion and can raise IGF-1. Adequate protein intake (particularly leucine-rich foods) supports IGF-1 production. Intermittent fasting has mixed effects — short-term fasting can initially raise GH secretion, but longer-term caloric restriction lowers IGF-1. Optimising sleep quality, training intelligently, and eating sufficient protein are the main modifiable lifestyle determinants of IGF-1 in healthy adults, making this panel useful as a baseline and monitoring tool for those making targeted lifestyle interventions.
