Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy for Gulf War Veterans
Table of Contents
What is growth hormone?
Growth hormone has many important roles in the body. In adults, growth hormone regulates body metabolism, which is the process of breaking down food into energy and other substances cells need for healthy growth. Growth hormone affects how the body uses and stores fat and cholesterol levels in the body. It is also necessary for bone density, muscle development, and normal brain function.
What is adult growth hormone?
When the body does not produce enough growth hormone (a condition known as growth hormone deficiency) the body is unable to efficiently use food for energy, which causes fatigue and fat storage. Adults with growth hormone deficiency have more fat stored in the abdomen. Abdominal fat is linked with insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease. Low growth hormone can also cause low bone density, reduced muscle strength, and mental fatigue.
What are common symptoms of growth hormone deficiency?
What are common symptoms of growth hormone deficiency?
- Low energy levels
- Problems with memory and attention
- Feeling unwell
- Increased fat, especially around the waist
- Lack of strength
- Depression
- Feeling anxious
- Low sexual function
- Muscle and/or joint pain
What is the study about?
Growth hormone is necessary for good health. Because the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency are very general and diagnosis requires special tests, it can be difficult to detect.
There is evidence that some Gulf War Veterans with long-term unexplained symptoms (known as Gulf War Illness) may have growth hormone deficiency. This research study will investigate whether taking daily growth hormone injections for 6 months can reduce body fat, reduce fatigue, and improve sleep and memory in Veterans with Gulf War Illness and growth hormone deficiency.
Why participate?
- Participating in this research will help determine whether growth hormone may help other Veterans who are struggling with symptoms like yours.
- You will be compensated for every study visit.
- You will receive a complete hormone evaluation including testosterone, thyroid, estradiol, and growth hormone. Growth hormone is a special test not offered by regular family doctor.
What does the study involve?
- Taking daily growth hormone for a total of 6 months. This medication is given as an injection under the skin. You will be trained on how to give yourself injections at home.
- Must attend 6 clinic visits throughout the study.
At these visits you may complete:
- Questionnaires
- Blood draw
- Physical exam
- A body scan to measure body fat
- Tests of memory
To determine if you are eligible?
- Be a Veteran who was deployed to Operations Desert/Storm between 1990-1991
- Attend up to three screening visits where you will undergo: an interview, hormone testing, a blood draw, questionnaires, and an MRI (scan) of the brain.