What is IGF-1?
IGF-1 is produced primarily by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH). Because GH levels fluctuate rapidly, IGF-1 — which is more stable — is the preferred marker for assessing overall GH activity.
IGF-1 is the most useful single test for screening growth-hormone disorders. Diagnosis usually requires confirmation via dynamic testing (e.g. oral glucose suppression for acromegaly).
Why might IGF-1 be low?
Low IGF-1 may indicate GH deficiency, malnutrition, poorly controlled diabetes, or liver disease. Age-appropriate interpretation is essential — IGF-1 naturally declines with age.
This information is educational. A single out-of-range result is rarely the whole picture — a healthcare professional can interpret your numbers alongside your overall health and history.
Context questions that matter
- →Was this result slightly or clearly outside the reference range?
- →Were related markers also high or low?
- →Is this new compared with previous tests?
- →Could recent illness, exercise, fasting, alcohol, supplements, or medication affect it?
- →Do you have symptoms that should be discussed with a clinician?
Questions to ask your doctor
- →Could time of day, cycle phase, stress, sleep, medication or supplements affect this result?
- →How does this compare with related hormones such as LH, FSH, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, cortisol or DHEA-S?
- →Is this a one-time result, or part of a pattern that needs repeat testing?
Don't guess from one flagged result.
Start with the most relevant panel and see how your markers fit together in plain English.
Frequently asked questions
What does low IGF-1 mean?
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Low IGF-1 may indicate GH deficiency, malnutrition, poorly controlled diabetes, or liver disease. Age-appropriate interpretation is essential — IGF-1 naturally declines with age.
What is IGF-1?
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IGF-1 is produced primarily by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH). Because GH levels fluctuate rapidly, IGF-1 — which is more stable — is the preferred marker for assessing overall GH activity.
Does timing matter for hormone tests?
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Often yes. Time of day, menstrual cycle phase, sleep, acute stress, medications and supplements can all affect hormone results. Morning samples and same-time-of-day repeat testing are typically preferred for hormones with a daily rhythm.
Should hormone results be compared with related hormones?
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Yes — hormones are usually interpreted as patterns. TSH is read with Free T4 and Free T3; testosterone is read with LH, FSH and SHBG; cortisol is read with ACTH and the time of day. Single values out of context can be misleading.