January 24, 2007 – The unwanted effects of growth hormones on the elderly are believed to be greater than their benefits. At least that’s what the results of a recent analysis of the clinical data published to date indicate.1.
The use of growth hormones to counter the effects of aging is relatively widespread in North America. Experts estimate that in 2004, in the United States, 20,000 to 30,000 elderly people used it. Americans can get them without a prescription, even though medical authorities have not approved the marketing of these hormones as pharmaceuticals intended to counter the effects of aging.
Although the advertising touts the efficacy and safety of growth hormones, analysis of published data indicates that these claims are based on 18 trials with just 220 subjects. California researchers, who analyzed the data, point out that the evidence for the effectiveness of growth hormones is low and their use is associated with a high rate of side effects.
The claimed beneficial effects are at best modest in healthy elderly people. Hormones may help improve lean mass to body fat ratio in men. However, it seems that this effect is much less pronounced in women. It is therefore necessary to increase the dosage in their case, which may cause more side effects.
The administration of the product would often lead to the formation of edema of the connective tissues subcutaneous and submucosal. Hormones are believed to cause fluid retention in bodily tissues. The authors also note that the treatment could have adverse effects on blood sugar.
The researchers conclude that there is clearly insufficient evidence for the efficacy and safety of growth hormones to warrant widespread use in the elderly. In short, they are far from representing the “fountain of youth” announced in the advertisements which extol their merits.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. Liu H, Bravata DM, et al. Systematic review: the safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Jan 16; 146 (2): 104-15.