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$Title{Human Growth Hormone:  Magic Youth Drug?}
$Subject{hormone hormones age aged aging reduce reduced reducing effect
effects human humans grow growth side testosterone male males treatment
treatments benefit benefits weight gain gains increase increased lean body
bodies mass magic youth drug fountain growth-hormone age aging}
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Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Human Growth Hormone:  Magic Youth Drug?


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QUESTION:  My older sister wrote to tell me that she had read about a new
hormone that was discovered and was now of much use in reducing the effects of
aging.  She suggested that I ask my doctor about this, but neither he nor my
pharmacist have ever heard of this.  Can you tell me what this is all about
and how I may obtain some of this for myself and my sister?  I suppose there
might be a few other people who might also be pleased to find this information
in your health column.  Thank you.

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ANSWER:  Though I agree that there are many who would be interested in such a
treatment, I am afraid the news is not all that encouraging.  The tests are
still going on according to the last reports, but more than half of the
individuals enrolled in the test of human growth hormone have dropped out
because of unacceptable side effects.  These included carpal tunnel syndrome
(which causes pain in the wrist), breast development in men, and diabetes.
All of the subjects in this test were men, and the test involving women
volunteers is yet to be reported.
     Both human growth hormone and testosterone (male hormone) are being
studied, as testosterone (at about $35 a year) is far less expensive than
growth hormone treatment, which could cost as much as $35,000 for the quantity
of hormone needed for a year's treatment.  While some benefits were noted,
including weight gain and increased lean body mass, much of the beneficial
effects disappeared after three months when the drug was discontinued.  The
use of these drugs in this fashion is still strictly experimental, and are not
obtainable from either a physician or pharmacist, so it is easy to understand
why your contacts were unaware of them.  If there is a magic youth drug,
research scientists are in the same boat as Ponce de Leon was when he sought
the fountain of youth and are still searching.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.