Many of these rejuvenating effects can already be seen in rat studies. For example, when this old rat is placed in a tub of water, he gets a little confused and takes a full 15 seconds to find a hidden platform. But when an equally old rat is injected with the substance that releases growth hormone, the time is cut in half. Well, the dog is dying again. This has been about four or five months.
Scientists caution that growth hormone also comes with risks, especially at high doses.
Risks like high blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome and, in men, enlarged breasts. Which we think people are putting themselves at risk for when they go to these clinics that dispense growth hormone like it was candy. But doctors who prescribe growth hormone say these side effects can easily be avoided. They say it's simply a matter of dosage. It's strictly dose related.