Congress is taking a tough look at the use of human growth hormone (HGH) for a wide variety of conditions that has prompted some concern that players may react by limiting reimbursement for legitimate purposes.

Dr. Richard Hellman, president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, said in an interview that insurers are already reluctant to cover scientifically validated uses of HGH.

From Internalmedicinenews.com:

An Internet search for “HGH” shows that the drug (or an illicit or counterfeit version) is being promoted for a large number of off-label uses. While this has been a widely known problem, Congress is taking a closer look at HGH and other alleged performance-enhancing substances in the wake of the December report issued by former Sen. George Mitchell that exposed a culture of acceptance for off-label and unproven uses of HGH and anabolic steroids in Major League Baseball.

In mid-February, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing on what it called “myths and facts” about HGH, vitamin B12, and other substances.

HGH has been touted as an antiaging cure, and increasingly appears to be used by athletes in the belief that it helps them improve performance and recover from injuries. It also is being investigated as a potential therapy for conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

All of these uses are illegal. HGH is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved product that can only be prescribed for the approved indications. In adults, HGH is legal for AIDS-related wasting syndrome, short-bowel syndrome, and growth hormone deficiency.

Dr. Hellman, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said the continuing use for purposes that have little to no evidence of safety and effectiveness may ultimately endanger patients who genuinely need HGH.

Tags: anabolic steroids, growth hormone, HGH, human growth hormone

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