Lab marker · Low

Low Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): what it means

A Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) result below the normal range is considered low. Here is what a reduced Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Reference range: Age-dependent; ~100–300 ng/mL in young adults; declines with age

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What a low Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) can mean

  • Adult growth hormone deficiency — pituitary disease (surgery, radiation, tumour); paired with reduced muscle mass, central obesity, low mood.
  • Malnutrition / anorexia nervosa — IGF-1 falls before albumin does.
  • Severe hypothyroidism, poorly controlled diabetes — modest reduction.
  • Hepatic failure — impaired synthesis.
  • Normal ageing — values in 70s match what would be 'low' in 20s.

When to discuss with a doctor

IGF-1 outside age-matched range warrants endocrinology follow-up: high → screen for pituitary adenoma (MRI + oral glucose suppression test); low → assess pituitary function (GH stimulation test). Self-supplementation with GH or IGF-1 is dangerous and unregulated. Mediora.AI surfaces the value against the age band; treatment changes belong with an endocrinologist.

Conditions this can relate to

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Mediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.