Growth Hormone Therapy Helpful in Fibromyalgia
Several earlier studies have shown that growth hormone (GH) deficiency is common in FMS — and that therapy with GH can be helpful. A new study adds more evidence.
In this placebo-controlled study of 120 fibromyalgia patients, daily GH injections were more effective than a placebo. After 12 months, 53% of patients no longer had the 11 tender points that are necessary for a diagnosis of FMS.
Although GH injections can be helpful, I rarely use them. I prefer to address the underlying causes of hormone deficiency (hypothalamic/pituitary dysfunction) with SHINE. In addition, growth hormone is naturally increased by exercise, sex, and sleep.
My concerns about using GH injections include:
- Need for daily injections.
- High cost.
- Increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (already common in FMS).
- Possible cancer risk (this is speculative).
Nonetheless, GH injections remain a valuable option if the standard SHINE protocol doesn't work.
References
"Effect of GH as add-on therapy in severe fibromyalgia syndrome. Results from the IIIb, CT27560 placebo-controlled, multicenter trial," Endocrine Abstracts, (2011) 26 P225.
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the most frequently quoted post viral CFS, fibromyalgia, energy, sleep and pain medical authorities in the world. He is the author of 12 books including You Can Heal from Long Covid, the best-selling From Fatigued to Fantastic!, Pain Free 1-2-3, The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction, Real Cause Real Cure, The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution, and the popular free Smart Phone app Cures A-Z. He is the lead author of eight research studies and three medical textbook chapters on effective treatment for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Teitelbaum appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide, including past appearances on Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and FoxNewsHealth.
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