A New Growth Hormone Study!

[~MaryO~]

Are you a woman with pituitary problems?

Women with a history of pituitary problems are at an increased risk for heart disease, low muscle mass, high body fat, and a decreased quality of life. We are therefore conducting a research study to investigate whether growth hormone replacement therapy improves the risk of heart disease, sense of well-being, and the distribution of body fat and muscle in women with growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone is a hormone that is made by the pituitary gland in your brain.

If you have a history of surgery or radiation to your pituitary gland and/or hypothalamus or you have had problems with your pituitary gland, you may have growth hormone deficiency. Free growth hormone testing is available to those who meet other eligibility criteria.

If you qualify for the study and are interested in participating, you will be randomly assigned to receive growth hormone or placebo for 6 months. For the following 6 months all participants will receive growth hormone replacement at no cost. If you decide to enroll, study visits will take place over a 12-month time period. We hope that theresults of this research will help to improve treatments for women with growth hormone deficiency.

Location: Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA

Enrollment period: 2003 and ongoing

Patient Compensation: Up to $300 stipend and free growth hormone for 6-12 months available to those who qualify.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 65 and are interested in finding out about this year-long research study, please contact:

Julie Jones, Nurse Practitioner Phone: (617) 724-1837 Email: jjones18@partners.org Address: 55 Fruit St. BUL 457B Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA 02114

or

Catherine Beauregard, MD Phone: (617) 726-8855 Email: cbeauregard@partners.org Address: 55 Fruit St. BUL 457B Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA 02114