DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have read many fantastic claims for the wonders of human growth hormone. It doesn’t seem possible that all these claims are true; however, if only a tenth of them are, it might be worth a try. Please give your opinion of this wonder drug. — L.V.

ANSWER: The small pituitary gland at the base of the brain makes growth hormone. In children, this hormone does exactly what its name says: It promotes growth.

With aging, the production of growth hormone wanes. Decreased growth hormone might contribute to the muscle wasting, fat accumulation and bone weakening that are the fate of older people. That theoretical speculation gave rise to the idea of supplying older folks with the hormone. Carefully controlled studies did show a drop in body fat and an increase in muscle size in treated elderly people. However, no increase in muscle strength, physical performance or quality of life could be demonstrated.

Furthermore, growth hormone’s side effects include fluid retention, swelling, joint and muscle pain, loss of the body’s response to insulin, and a loss of blood sugar control.

Growth hormone has been used by professional athletes for the same reasons steroids (male hormones) are used. Often it is used in combination with steroids. In young, active men and women, growth hormone fails to enhance athletic performance. It can, however, increase sprinting capacity.

The hormone has a place in treating children who lack it or to spur the growth of carefully selected children lagging far being their peers. Most experts do not recommend it for older adults looking for a potion that restores youth.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What can be done for bags under the eyes? — M.V.

ANSWER: Those bags are fat globules that have broken through the barriers that normally keep them in place and unseen. It happens with age. The only way to get rid of them is through surgical removal.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: It is hard for me to take large pills. One day a nurse came with pills and told me to put my chin down to my chest and then swallow. I haven’t had any trouble since. I think this could help other people with the same trouble.

I am on 10 mg of prednisone. How long can a person use it? It has many side effects. On the one hand, it helps you; on the other, it kills you. I tried to take 5 mg, but my illness kicked up. — L.P.

ANSWER: Many people have trouble swallowing pills, and your technique will be a big help to them.

Prednisone is a widely prescribed cortisone drug. Cortisone drugs are life-savers. They’re the most potent medicines for calming inflammation. It’s true that long use or high doses produce undesirable side effects, including weight gain, a rounded face, loss of bone calcium, susceptibility to infection, cataract formation, muscle weakness and the suppression of the body’s natural production of cortisone by the adrenal glands.

Alternate-day therapy might lessen cortisone’s side effects. The drug is given in twice its usual dose one day, and the next day no medicine is taken.

Gradual tapering of the dose is another way to reduce the amount of drug. Say your regular dose is 10 mg. Reducing it to 7.5 mg might keep the illness in check while lessening side effects. Lowering it to 5 mg might be too much of a reduction.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What is Schamberg’s disease? How is it treated? — A.D.

ANSWER: No one is sure what causes Schamberg’s. It’s a leakage of red blood cells from the body’s smallest vessels, capillaries. The pigment within the red blood cells gives rise to orange or yellow-brown blotches covered with small dots that look like cayenne pepper has been sprinkled on them. Usually this occurs in the legs. Sometimes Schamberg’s is associated with the water pill Lasix, Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve, Motrin or Advil. Covering the splotches with a cortisone cream or ointment can be helpful.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

Copy the Story Link