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Article: Growth Hormone Alters Aging; Study Shows Risks Include Diabetes, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- November 13, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Injections of human growth hormone, which have become increasingly
popular as a virtual "fountain of youth," do reverse some of the
common physical attributes of aging, a new federally sponsored study
has found. But the shots also have potentially serious side effects,
including increasing the risk of developing diabetes and carpal
tunnel syndrome.
In the most extensive clinical trial so far of the hormone --
which is available at the many "anti-aging" clinics opening around
retirement centers -- researchers concluded that the growth hormone
treatment was not ready for widespread use, although it showed a
"promising" ability to increase muscle and decrease fat in older
people.
"There may be ...