IGF-1 — Growth Hormone Marker
IGF-1 manages the effects of growth hormone and is steadier than growth hormone itself. Read it against your lab's age-specific range.
An IGF-1 test measures insulin-like growth factor 1, the hormone that manages the effects of growth hormone in your body, and the result is read against an age-specific reference range.
The biomarker
- Name: Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
- Units: ng/mL
- Standard reference range: age-specific — read your result against the range your lab reports for your age (ranges vary by lab)
How to read your result
| Result | What it can mean |
|---|---|
| Lower than the range for your age | May reflect a normal age-related decrease, or another condition — discuss with your clinician |
| Within the range for your age | In line with the lab's age-matched reference |
| Higher than the range for your age | Too much growth hormone can affect bone and tissue growth (in adults, acromegaly) — discuss with your clinician |
Always compare IGF-1 against your lab's age-matched reference range, not a flat number.
What moves the needle
- Clinician. Discuss any result outside your lab's age-specific range with your clinician.
- Context. Growth hormone itself changes through the day with diet and activity; IGF-1 is steadier, which is why it is used to track growth hormone.
Why ask for it
- IGF-1 levels are more stable than growth hormone levels, making it a reliable way to track growth hormone in the body.
- It is ordered when there are signs of a growth hormone disorder, and to monitor treatment for one.
Related protocols
Sources
AgeGen lab guides are educational only. We do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe brands, or recommend specific doses. Talk to a licensed clinician before changing your supplement or medication routine.
