WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOUR IGF 1 IS HIGH?

IGF 1, or insulin-like growth factor 1, is a hormone that reflects how much growth hormone your body is producing over time. When IGF 1 levels are high, it usually means that growth hormone activity is increased. However, this does not automatically indicate a serious condition, as IGF 1 levels can rise for several different reasons.

Understanding what a high IGF 1 result means depends on how elevated the level is, whether symptoms are present, and whether the result is persistent. If you are concerned about growth hormone related symptoms or unexplained changes in your body, an IGF 1 blood test from One Day Tests can help assess hormone activity without needing a GP referral.

IGF 1 is produced mainly by the liver in response to growth hormone released by the pituitary gland. Unlike growth hormone, which fluctuates throughout the day, IGF 1 remains relatively stable. This makes it a useful marker of average growth hormone activity.

When IGF 1 is high, it suggests that growth hormone signals are strong and consistent. In some cases, this reflects a normal physiological state, while in others it may point toward hormone overproduction.

Because IGF 1 levels vary by age, results are always interpreted using age appropriate reference ranges.

High IGF 1 levels are not always caused by disease. Certain life stages and physiological conditions can raise IGF 1 naturally.

During puberty, IGF 1 levels are expected to be higher as the body supports rapid growth and development. Pregnancy can also raise IGF 1 levels due to hormonal changes.

Temporary increases may also occur due to nutritional factors, changes in metabolism, or recovery from illness. In these situations, levels often return to normal without intervention.

Persistently high IGF 1 levels outside of normal physiological states may indicate excessive growth hormone production. In adults, this is sometimes associated with conditions where growth hormone is produced in excess over long periods.

Symptoms linked to chronically high IGF 1 may include changes in facial features, enlargement of hands or feet, joint pain, headaches, excessive sweating, fatigue, and changes in metabolism. These symptoms usually develop slowly and may go unnoticed at first.

High IGF 1 levels are rarely interpreted on their own and usually prompt further investigation if they are significantly elevated or associated with symptoms.

A single elevated IGF 1 result does not automatically mean there is a serious condition. Hormone levels can be affected by temporary factors such as recent illness, physical stress, or laboratory variation.

Because of this, repeat testing is often recommended if IGF 1 levels are unexpectedly high. Confirming whether levels remain elevated over time helps distinguish between temporary changes and ongoing hormone imbalance.

Additional tests may also be used to assess growth hormone regulation more directly if needed.

Yes, certain medications and health conditions can influence IGF 1 levels. Hormone treatments, changes in nutritional status, and some chronic health conditions may alter how the body produces or processes IGF 1.

Liver health is particularly important, as IGF 1 is produced in the liver. Conditions affecting liver function can sometimes affect IGF 1 results, either raising or lowering levels.

This is why results are interpreted alongside medical history rather than in isolation.

Symptoms associated with high IGF 1 levels tend to develop gradually. Many people notice subtle changes before recognising a pattern.

These may include increased fatigue, joint discomfort, headaches, changes in sweating, or gradual changes in body shape. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, they are not specific to IGF 1 alone.

In some cases, symptoms may be absent despite elevated levels, which is why testing is often prompted by clinical suspicion rather than symptoms alone.

Further testing is usually considered if IGF 1 levels are clearly above the expected range and remain high on repeat testing. Additional blood tests may be used to assess growth hormone regulation more directly.

Imaging studies or specialist referral may be considered if there is strong evidence of ongoing hormone overproduction. These steps are typically guided by both test results and symptoms.

An IGF 1 blood test provides a stable snapshot of growth hormone activity and is often the first step in investigating suspected growth hormone imbalance.

Testing can help identify whether hormone levels are within an expected range for your age or whether further investigation may be needed. It can also be useful for monitoring trends over time.

Because growth hormone disorders are uncommon, IGF 1 testing is usually targeted rather than routine.