End Fatigue

Growth Hormone Treatment Helpful in Fibromyalgia

Several earlier studies have shown that growth hormone (GH) deficiency is common in FMS — and that treatment 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 treat 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 treatment in severe fibromyalgia syndrome. Results from the IIIb, CT27560 placebo-controlled, multicenter trial," Endocrine Abstracts, (2011) 26 P225