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Commonly Asked Questions / Doctors' Answers
Usage of Growth Hormone to Increase Height (Endocrinology) |
Question
I'm a young man still at 19. I was wondering if while I'm still young it
is possible to take hormones to increase my height even if it is just
slightly. I only stand around 5'6 or 5'7 and it is a real problem for me.
No other males in my family are as short as me. I don't really care if it
isn't recommended, if it were possible whom would I ask? If you could get
back to me I would sure appreciate it.
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eCureMe's Advice 1
You should see an endocrinologist and have some hormonal assays done
on your blood. The growth of long bones stops at a certain age, which
will vary from person to person. If your bones have stopped growing
you would not benefit lengthwise from any attempt at hormonal therapy,
you would only grow thicker and look different from most people.
If your bones have not yet stopped growing and you have normal levels
of certain hormones in your blood already, taking synthetic hormones
would not help. Your body would simply stop making the natural hormones
and you would be taking unnecessary expensive replacement therapy
from which you would derive no additional benefit, only potential
adverse effects. In other words, you probably will not benefit from
hormone therapy but it would be advisable to see endocrinologist for a
thorough evaluation if your height is that much of a concern for you.
I hope you do well and that this answer is helpful. Good luck.
eCureMe's Advice 2
At 19, your body is pretty close to being done with its growth
spurt, which means that your bones have lengthened all they're going to
lengthen; once they're "fused" this way, hormones will not help.
Besides, hormones have side effects you might not be willing to put
up with. I think most people would agree that 5'6 or 5'7 is not short,
and that adjustment and acceptance are the healthier alternatives.
eCureMe's Advice 3
It is very unlikely that hormones will help you grow any taller.
When you were younger, your bones have what's called a "growth plate."
As long as this growth plate remains open, your bones can continue to
grow and elongate. Once the growth plate closes, growth stops and the
bones can't get any longer. At age 19, it is very unlikely the growth
plates are still open. Taking hormones with your growth plates closed
is harmful. As far as who to ask, you might try searching on the
Internet but be extremely careful and cautious.
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