Question 1

when igf-1 is high and gh are normal rule out the possibility of acromegaly? or get more complicated the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Acromegaly as a result of excessive GH is extremely rare and symptoms are not straight forward but you can look them up.  The IGF-1 is a good screening test for GH excess but if it was only mildly elevated the normal GH would be reassuring.  After you read up, please discuss with the doctor who ordered the tests because it can be complicated

Question 2

is this ogtt gh supression test suggestive for acromegaly? 0.4/0.2/0.1/0.7/2.3 ug/l 
i have a 2,5 mm adenoma in my pituitary and elevated igf-1

Accepted Answer

Endocrinologist: GH suppression testing is a highly specialized test and most physicians have no experience with it. An endocrinologist is best qualified to evaluate these results. As for the adenoma, collaboration between a neurosurgeon and your endocrinologist should result in the best advice relative to any advisable treatment and type of follow-up needed.

Question 3

failed 5 igf-1/acromegaly tests from 2% to 25% over upper normal range. is gh suppression test or dynamic pituitary mri best nest step?

Accepted Answer

First confirm dx: Before imaging a dx of acromegaly should be confirmed with a growth hormone suppression test. Only after the biochemical diagnosis of the pituitary disease is made should imaging be done. There are other reasons for pituitary abnormalities, including nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. Iit would be a shame to have abnormal imaging and an extensive work up only to find that the dx is not correct!

Question 4

elevated igf-1 212 (53-191)-no signs of acromegaly; endo won't retest-wants an mri; have pots/dysautonomia; do i need the mri? tired of testing

Accepted Answer

2nd opinion: Hi. I would not do a pituitary MRI based on that IGF-1! Is it reproducible? Did the endo do a GH suppression test (GHST? The pituitary is famous for "incidentalomas", tumors that are incidentally found, but play no role in any pathophysiology. So if a tumor is seen, will the endo send a surgeon in?! Get a 2nd opinion from an experienced endo. I bet IGF-1 isn't reproducibly elevated. And do GHST.

Question 5

no clinical features of acromegaly, failing many  igf-1 tests as high as 40% above high range. passed ogtt easily as gh below .1. is brain mri needed?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There are other pituitary tumors which can elevate IGF1 levels which dont secrete excess GH levels. Get an MRI specifically of the pituitary area. Also, GH levels fluctuate, so recheck it.

Question 6

212 igf-1 (191);repeat 218; no sx acromegaly but recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy; coincidental or should i get  mri to rule out pituitary tumor?

Accepted Answer

NO PITUITARY MRI!: Hi. Those IGF-1's would be normal for a 55 yo woman. Cardiomyopathy has a million and one causes, and acromegaly is WAY DOWN the list of likely causes. Pituitary is classic for "incidentalomas" - masses found incidentally, most of which have no bearing on disease. So you have NO biochemical evidence of acromegaly. Whatcha gonna do if a pituitary tumor IS found? Send a surgeon in??? I hope not!

Question 7

when igf-1 is shown as high at one lab so doctor runs test at other labs until normal result obtained, which is then relied on, are any of the results valid?

Accepted Answer

Screening test: Igf-1 is a screening test which if high screens for gigantism-acromegaly. Since it is a screening test, the abnormal values should be the ones taken into consideration. Perhaps there is a communication problem with your physician but this needs to be addressed between you or in a consult.

Question 8

does hgh make you taller because of igf-1?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Growth hormone stimulates growth by both directly binding to various cells in the body and thereby stimulate growth, as well as by stimulating the production of IGF-1.  IGF-1 then binds to various cells and stimulates growth through other mechanisms.

Question 9

explain why natural igf-1 supp are beneficial?

Accepted Answer

They aren't: There aren't any natural igf-1 supplements.  Igf-1 is made in your body. It is also available by injection from a physician, not it is really in any supplement you can buy at the store or on the internet.  Even if it were, it wouldn't work and would be broken down in you stomach.

Question 10

what are the effects of high levels of igf-1 in teens?

Accepted Answer

Growth: IGF-1 is one of the main "growth hormones" and is stimulated by pituitary growth hormone.  During adolescence, the levels of IGF-1 are higher than at other times.  A very high IGF-1 can occur due to acromegaly, which is a pituitary tumor making excess GH, but this is very rare.  A pediatric endocrinologist is the expert on this.

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Doctor answers about:

IGF 1 versus acromegaly

A member asked:

When igf-1 is high and gh are normal rule out the possibility of acromegaly? or get more complicated the diagnosis?

A member asked:

Is this ogtt gh supression test suggestive for acromegaly? 0.4/0.2/0.1/0.7/2.3 ug/l i have a 2,5 mm adenoma in my pituitary and elevated igf-1

A member asked:

Failed 5 igf-1/acromegaly tests from 2% to 25% over upper normal range. is gh suppression test or dynamic pituitary mri best nest step?

A member asked:

Elevated igf-1 212 (53-191)-no signs of acromegaly; endo won't retest-wants an mri; have pots/dysautonomia; do i need the mri? tired of testing

A member asked:

No clinical features of acromegaly, failing many igf-1 tests as high as 40% above high range. passed ogtt easily as gh below .1. is brain mri needed?

A member asked:

212 igf-1 (191);repeat 218; no sx acromegaly but recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy; coincidental or should i get mri to rule out pituitary tumor?

A member asked:

When igf-1 is shown as high at one lab so doctor runs test at other labs until normal result obtained, which is then relied on, are any of the results valid?

A member asked:

Does hgh make you taller because of igf-1?

A member asked:

Explain why natural igf-1 supp are beneficial?

A member asked:

What are the effects of high levels of igf-1 in teens?

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