Does Hyperthyroidism Affect Height Growth in Young Adults?

Does hyperthyroidism affect height?

Hello Doctor, during my junior year in college, my weight dropped to 42 kg, and I noticed signs of a thicker neck.
My mother was alert and took me to the hospital for examination, where I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
Due to work stress, I have experienced recurrent episodes, and I am currently taking one medication to manage it.
My blood test results have been normal for the past six months.

However, since the year before last (when I was 25), I have noticed that my height has continued to increase.
I started menstruating in sixth grade when I was 163 cm tall, and my height remained at 166 cm after the third year of junior high school.
Throughout my school years and after entering the workforce, I have had regular health check-ups, and my height was consistently 166 to 166.5 cm until I saw a report indicating I was 168 cm during a check-up the year before last.
Although an old friend questioned whether I had grown taller, I thought it might just be normal measurement variability and didn't pay much attention.
In July of last year, I began to feel that I had grown taller (noticing the distance to the ceiling, the height of objects in my home and workplace, and my height relative to pedestrians on the street).
At that time, my height measured 168.3 cm at the hospital.
I started expressing my concerns to my doctors, most of whom believed it was normal and not something to worry about.
During my regular follow-up last month, my height was measured at 169.1 cm.
I couldn't help but mention this to my hyperthyroidism specialist, who ordered a blood test for growth hormone.
The following week, my hyperthyroidism doctor reviewed the report and found no abnormalities.
My anxiety about the unknown cause of my height increase has made me feel uneasy when going out, worrying that I might continue to grow taller, which has affected my appetite.
I have been fearful that eating might cause further growth.
The most recent height measurement was on April 12, where I was 169.4 cm.
(The measurements of 168.3, 169.1, and 169.4 cm were all taken using the same automatic height measurement machine at the hospital.) At the beginning of April, I consulted online and followed the advice to visit an orthopedic specialist, who found no abnormalities in my growth plates or any swelling.
Currently, I am still in a state of uncertainty regarding the cause of my height increase.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor: (1) Could hyperthyroidism indirectly affect growth hormone levels and lead to this situation? (2) After my visit to the orthopedic specialist yesterday, the doctor suggested that I arrange a full day of growth hormone blood tests and a brain MRI at the metabolic department.
Can I directly make an appointment and explain my situation to the doctor? If the doctor has any suggestions or insights, I would greatly appreciate your guidance.
Thank you for your hard work.

Meng Meng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/22

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid

Generally speaking, it is quite rare for individuals to continue growing after the age of 20.
In your case, although the growth may not be rapid, if you are still growing taller each year, it would be advisable to seek a multidisciplinary consultation at a major hospital to better understand your condition.

Reply Date: 2020/04/22

More Info

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can indeed have various effects on growth and development, particularly in young adults. In your case, it’s important to understand how thyroid hormones interact with growth factors and the overall growth process.

1. Impact of Hyperthyroidism on Growth: Hyperthyroidism can lead to an increase in metabolic rate, which may initially seem to promote growth. However, in young adults, especially after the growth plates have closed, the influence of thyroid hormones on height becomes more complex. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in bone growth and development during childhood and adolescence. They help regulate the growth plates in long bones, which are responsible for height increase. If hyperthyroidism occurs during the growth phase, it can potentially lead to premature closure of these growth plates, resulting in stunted growth. However, since you are already 25 years old, it is likely that your growth plates have closed, and any height increase you are experiencing may not be directly related to hyperthyroidism.

2. Your Height Increase: The increase in your height from 166 cm to 169.4 cm at the age of 25 is unusual, as most individuals reach their adult height by their late teens to early twenties. While some individuals may experience slight increases in height into their mid-twenties, this is generally not common. The factors contributing to your height increase could include variations in measurement techniques, posture, or even changes in spinal alignment. It’s also possible that your body is responding to the management of your hyperthyroidism, which could have previously affected your growth.

3. Role of Growth Hormones: Regarding your concern about growth hormones, it’s essential to understand that growth hormone (GH) is crucial for growth during childhood and adolescence. In adults, GH helps maintain tissue and organ health but does not significantly contribute to height. If your doctor has recommended testing for growth hormones, it is likely to rule out any abnormalities that could be contributing to your height increase.
4. Consulting with Specialists: It is advisable to follow your doctor’s recommendations for further testing, including the growth hormone level assessment and MRI of the brain. These tests can help determine if there are any underlying issues, such as a pituitary gland disorder, that might be affecting your growth hormone levels. You can certainly schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist or a metabolic specialist to discuss your concerns and the recommended tests.
5. Managing Anxiety and Health: It’s understandable to feel anxious about changes in your body, especially when they are unexpected. It’s important to communicate your concerns with your healthcare provider, who can provide reassurance and guidance. Managing stress and anxiety is also crucial for your overall well-being. Consider discussing your feelings with a mental health professional if you find that anxiety is impacting your daily life.

In conclusion, while hyperthyroidism can influence growth, the effects are more pronounced during childhood and adolescence. At your age, any height increase is likely due to other factors. It’s essential to continue monitoring your health with your healthcare provider and to address any concerns you have regarding your growth and overall well-being.

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