Q. Can I grow any longer by taking HGH?

Answered by

and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.

Published on Feb 21, 2018 and last reviewed on: Oct 09, 2018

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Can I grow any longer?

I am 16 years old. My parents' heights are about 5'5" and 5'0" and my sister is 5'1". I had my knee's and hand's X-ray and both of them are fused. Since then I have grown only an inch or two. I was 5'1" back then now I am like 5'3" or 5'4" in morning. I have been taking Vitamin D supplements along with Vitamin A, Zinc, and Magnesium. Doing yoga on regular basis and body weight exercises like push-ups, chin-ups, pull-ups, and dips. I have been sprinting and skipping rope and my diet is full of protein (junk food only on Sunday). I do not know how I stunted my growth. Maybe late night cravings with junk food and also bad sleeping habits might have contributed to my short stature.

I have heard men do not stop growing until the age of 21 or 25. When I compare my legs to my friends we have the same length, maybe an inch or two difference but they are like 5'10" or 5'11". I have hairs on my legs from a year an a half. I have little facial hair (not too much). My genitals are not fully grown but I have pubic hairs. I want to be at least 5'7" or 5'8". Since taking HGH will not affect my legs (growth plates ossified) but will it affect my spine? I feel like my torso is very short compared to my dad too. If I can get prescription for HGH, will taking it lengthen my spine or harden the long bones which will result in growth (2-3 inches)? I have been looking for answers online but I found none relating to spine growth from HGH. As far as I have seen in gigantism most of their height comes from their torso. If I take HGH will my spine grow like theirs too? Since I am only 16 and not fully matured. I do not want to do the leg lengthening surgery (will affect my athletic performance) and also I forgot to mention I have never got a growth spurt in my life. All my height growth has been gradual. When I looked at my friends after a long summer they shot up to 4 to 5 inches. Whereas I stayed the same. Please tell me if I can do anything regarding my height.

Answer

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Diabetology Endocrinology

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and from what you have mentioned it appears that you would like to grow taller.

Well, your predicted height according to your parents' height is expected to be 5'5". Even if your X-ray shows that your bones have fused it is still possible for you to grow naturally taller until 21 years of age.

Human growth hormone does not work unless a person is actually deficient in it. And, no you cannot have a targeted growth by taking it. You might cause more harm to your self than good.

Your habits are good but you need to start doing more of cardiovascular exercises like cycling and playing sports like basketball which involves jumping and stretching more.

Every single person is different as to when they can achieve a growth spurt. Of prime importance is proper sleep as natural secretion of growth hormone occurs at night time.So, be positive and keep up the good work.

For more information consult an endocrinologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/endocrinologist

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

If my growth plates are fused, where will the remaining height come from? Since you said I can be taller. Will taking HGH not boost those results?

Answer

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Diabetology Endocrinology

Hello,

welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, the X-ray cannot depict all the growth points and their fusion. Besides, you have both the endpoints on a long bone that can grow. There still takes a lot of growth in the vertebrae and long bones.

No, human growth hormone does not work that way. If a person is not deficient, the growth hormone receptors ignore the excess drug. So, no point.

For more information consult an endocrinologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/endocrinologist