IGF-1
Reflects growth hormone activity over time - used to investigate growth-hormone disorders.
TypeBlood test
HowStandard blood draw.
How oftenWhen advised.
BeforeNo special preparation.
WhoPeople with suspected growth hormone problems.
The practical blood check for growth hormone
Growth hormone is released in pulses, so a single level means little. The liver turns it into IGF-1, which stays steady - making it the practical way to check growth hormone activity.
Low
“Is growth hormone low?”
Can suggest deficiency - confirmed with specialist testing.
Investigate
High
“Is there too much?”
Can point to rare pituitary conditions.
Investigate
Longevity
“Is lower better?”
Evidence is mixed - not a number to optimize on its own.
Context
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- Your provider suspects a growth hormone disorder.
A better option if…
- You’re interested in longevity optimisation - IGF-1 targets aren’t established.
How it’s measured
Lab blood draw
Compared with age-specific ranges.
The full picture
What is it?
Insulin-like growth factor 1, produced mainly by the liver.
What type of test is it?
A blood biomarker.
What does it measure?
IGF-1 concentration.
Why might someone consider it?
To investigate growth hormone excess or deficiency.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with suspected disorders.
How is it performed?
A blood draw.
How often might it be considered?
When needed.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether growth hormone activity is abnormal.
What are its limitations?
Affected by nutrition, liver function and age.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, pituitary hormones and imaging.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Usually ordered when symptoms or results point to it.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp - typically with a provider order.
Specialists
Your provider may refer you to a specialist to interpret it.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Is IGF-1 testing relevant for me?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your IGF-1 result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
Refer my providerAlready seeing your provider?
Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your IGF-1 result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test