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Can The Level Of IGF1 In The Body Be Increased?

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Posted on Tue, 20 Dec 2016
Question: I want to boost the level of igf-1 in my body to around 550 ng/ml. Right now it is about 250 ng/ml. Is there a way to do this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
IGF1

Detailed Answer:
First, glance at the age and gender adjusted normal range for IGF1 on your laboratory report. Kindly do not perform an internet search for this query. The reason for this is that normal ranges vary from l ab to lab depending on the method used. The technical term for this is 'assay'. This word refers to the specific scientific technique used to measure IGF1 levels in the blood. There are several methods available in the market.
Reputed laboratories of high standards use reliable assays for IGF1. So it is advisable to have it run in such laboratories only. This is important because IGF1 is not a simple test like blood glucose for example. It requires a specialized technique.
Then if your IGF1 value of 250 falls below the lower limit of normal for the range specified on your lab report, then I would recommend you to consult an Endocrinologist in-person to undergo a systematic evaluation for the possibility of GH (Growth Hormone ) deficiency.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
Free T4 (this too checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)

None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Can The Level Of IGF1 In The Body Be Increased?

Brief Answer: IGF1 Detailed Answer: First, glance at the age and gender adjusted normal range for IGF1 on your laboratory report. Kindly do not perform an internet search for this query. The reason for this is that normal ranges vary from l ab to lab depending on the method used. The technical term for this is 'assay'. This word refers to the specific scientific technique used to measure IGF1 levels in the blood. There are several methods available in the market. Reputed laboratories of high standards use reliable assays for IGF1. So it is advisable to have it run in such laboratories only. This is important because IGF1 is not a simple test like blood glucose for example. It requires a specialized technique. Then if your IGF1 value of 250 falls below the lower limit of normal for the range specified on your lab report, then I would recommend you to consult an Endocrinologist in-person to undergo a systematic evaluation for the possibility of GH (Growth Hormone ) deficiency. When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination: CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts) Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular) HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase) Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine) TSH (checks your thyroid) Free T4 (this too checks your thyroid) 25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter) None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.