What is the Link Between Human Growth Hormone and Fibromyalgia?
What is the link between human growth hormone and fibromyalgia? It was discovered decades ago that patients with fibromyalgia have abnormal sleep patterns. During stage three and four of non-REM sleep (i.e. deep sleep) these patients showed brain activity similar to that of a person who is awake.
Human growth hormone is released during periods of deep sleep so it is likely that the bodies of patients with fibromyalgia do not produce enough of this hormone. The link between human growth hormone and fibromyalgia has not been proven but anything that improves sleep patterns in these patients also appears to improve symptoms of pain and fatigue.
A deficiency of human growth hormone in adults leads to low energy, poor general health, reduced exercise capacity, muscle weakness, cold intolerance, impaired cognition, depression, and decreased lean body mass. Since the level of this hormone is often found to be low in FMS patients treatment with the hormone seems to improve their symptoms. Further studies are needed to scientifically prove the link between human growth hormone and fibromyalgia.
In one study aimed at proving the existence of a link between human growth hormone and fibromyalgia patients were asked to exercise to a point of voluntary exhaustion on a treadmill. This test measures the level of growth hormone secretion. In healthy people the amount of GH increases on exercise, but in people with fibromyalgia the body failed to produce any growth hormone.
When these patients were given pyridostigmine one hour before the test their bodies were better able to produce a reasonable amount of growth hormone. As pyridostigmine reduces somatostatin tone in the hypothalamus it is possible that there is a link between human growth hormone and fibromyalgia. This phenomenon needs further study to determine the importance of these and similar findings.
While the link between human growth hormone and fibromyalgia has not been proven many people have obtained relief by taking supplements like 'The Revitalizing Sleep Formula' by Integrative Therapeutics, 5-HTP or tryptophan, calcium and magnesium at bedtime, and melatonin (1/2mg) to help with sleep disorders. The medication mestinon (30-60 milligrams before exercise) may restore the normal rise in growth hormone release during exercise in fibromyalgia.
