Growth Hormone Stimulation Test: What It Is and What to Expect
This test measures androstenedione levels in your blood after a hormone stimulation test to evaluate how your adrenal glands and ovaries/testes respond.
{"Androstenedione is a hormone produced by adrenal glands and gonads","This test checks how your body responds to hormone stimulation","It helps diagnose conditions like PCOS, adrenal disorders, or hormone imbalances","Blood is drawn twice: once before and once after stimulation","Results help doctors identify the source of excess male hormones"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16378-2
- Short code
- ANDRO-P2
- Synonyms
- Androst sp2 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Immunoassay
- CPT
- 82157
- SNOMED
- 4422806009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 500
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
This test measures how well your pituitary gland releases growth hormone into your bloodstream. Doctors use it to find out whether a growth hormone deficiency may be causing slow growth, short stature, or other hormone-related symptoms in children and adults.
The androstenedione post-stimulation test measures the level of androstenedione in your blood after a hormone challenge. Androstenedione is a steroid hormone (precursor to testosterone and estrogen) produced mainly by the adrenal glands in both men and women, and by the ovaries in women and testes in men.
Growth hormone is normally released in short bursts, so a single blood sample taken at rest often cannot show whether your body makes enough of it. Giving a medicine that stimulates hormone release lets doctors see how your pituitary gland responds under challenge, which makes the results far more reliable for diagnosis.
A stimulation test (often using ACTH - Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) is used to see how your adrenal glands and reproductive organs respond to hormone signals. The second blood sample (post-challenge) shows whether your body can appropriately increase androstenedione production when stimulated. This helps distinguish between different causes of hormone imbalances.
The test is done in a clinic or hospital, usually in the morning. A small intravenous line is placed in your arm and a baseline blood sample is drawn, then you receive one or more stimulating medicines, such as arginine, clonidine, or insulin. Additional blood samples are collected at set time intervals over the next two to three hours while your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.
You will have blood drawn twice: 1) A baseline sample before the stimulation, 2) A second sample 30-60 minutes after receiving the stimulating hormone (such as ACTH). The procedure is quick, and you may feel mild discomfort or bruising at the needle site.
No food or drinks except water are allowed, usually for 8 to 12 hours before the visit. Wear comfortable clothing, plan to stay for the entire procedure, and bring a snack to eat once testing is finished. Tell the care team about all medicines you take, any allergies, and any history of heart, liver, or kidney problems before the test begins.
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding fasting and medications. Certain medications (like steroids, birth control, or hormone supplements) may affect results. Inform your doctor about all medications you take. Women should tell their doctor about their menstrual cycle timing.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by age, sex, and laboratory methodology. Post-challenge values are interpreted in context of the stimulation test and baseline measurement.N/A
No special preparation required. For stimulation challenge testing, follow specific protocol instructions provided by the ordering physician.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps diagnose: 1) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - often shows elevated androstenedione after stimulation; 2) Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia - a genetic condition affecting adrenal hormone production; 3) Adrenal tumors or cancers that may produce excess androstenedione; 4) Ovarian or testicular tumors; 5) Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) or acne due to hormone imbalances.
The post-stimulation result compared to the baseline helps determine if the excess androstenedione comes from adrenal glands or ovaries/testes, which guides treatment decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Does the stimulation test have side effects?
When will I get my results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I take my regular medications?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy