Hormones

IGF-1 — Your Body's Repair and Rebuild Signal

Growth hormone gets the headlines, but IGF-1 is the one doing most of the actual work. Produced in the liver in response to growth hormone, IGF-1 is the effector — it drives cell renewal, tissue repair, and metabolic regulation. And unlike growth hormone (which comes in unpredictable bursts), IGF-1 stays relatively stable in your blood. That makes it the smarter marker to measure.

Why Test IGF-1?

IGF-1 testing sheds light on growth hormone status without the hassle of trying to catch a pulsatile hormone. It's used to investigate suspected GH deficiency in adults (think fatigue, muscle loss, increased belly fat), assess acromegaly, evaluate growth in children, and monitor GH therapy dosing.

What Do High IGF-1 Levels Mean?

High IGF-1 may suggest excess growth hormone — as seen in acromegaly (adults) or gigantism (children). It can also be elevated during puberty, pregnancy, or with high protein and calorie intake, or insulin resistance. Chronically high levels are being studied for possible links to cancer risk. Watch for enlarged hands, feet, or facial features, joint pain, headaches, and excessive sweating.

What Do Low IGF-1 Levels Mean?

Low IGF-1 may indicate GH deficiency from pituitary dysfunction, normal ageing, poor liver function, chronic illness, malnutrition, or hypothyroidism. Common signs: fatigue, muscle loss, increased body fat (especially around the belly), weakened bones, mood changes, and delayed growth in children.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Increased body fat, especially abdominal
  • Decreased bone density
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Enlarged extremities (if GH excess)

Who Should Get Tested?

  • Those with suspected growth hormone deficiency
  • Patients being evaluated for acromegaly or gigantism
  • Children with growth concerns
  • Adults on growth hormone therapy
  • Anyone interested in their cellular health and recovery markers

How to Prepare for Your Test

Bring valid ID.

Order Your Blood Test

Test your IGF-1 levels with an accredited Swedish laboratory. Results within days, reviewed by Wellth.

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why test IGF-1 instead of growth hormone directly?
GH comes in pulses and jumps around throughout the day — one measurement tells you very little. IGF-1 stays stable, giving a much more reliable overall picture of GH activity.
Does IGF-1 decline with age?
Yes. It naturally drops as you get older. That decline is part of normal ageing but may contribute to reduced muscle mass, weaker bones, and lower energy.
Can diet affect IGF-1 levels?
It can. High protein and calorie intake tends to raise IGF-1, while calorie restriction or malnutrition can lower it.
NW

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Wellth Team

Wellth

Our content is written and reviewed by Wellth, and fact-checked against peer-reviewed research and current Swedish clinical guidelines.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wellth provides health information and testing services but is not a substitute for clinical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, contact your doctor or call 1177 Vårdguiden. Blood test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your complete medical history.