Height Concerns for a 16-Year-Old: Can Growth Hormones Help?

I am currently a high school freshman, and I have urgent concerns about my height?

Hello, I would like to ask some questions regarding height.
I am a 16-year-old male, and my height is only 154 cm, with poor growth conditions.
Recently, I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a bone age assessment and an examination of my growth plate fusion.
The doctor determined that my growth plates are nearly fused and estimated my final height to be around 155 cm based on a chart.
I would like to know under what circumstances the growth plates might still have room for growth.
When I looked at the X-ray, there still seemed to be some space.
I would like to inquire if I could take advantage of this last opportunity.
Would administering growth hormone allow me to grow an additional 5-6 cm? (Regardless of whether the medical costs and effects are proportional, I am willing to bear any expenses as long as it is effective.)
Here is my growth history: in fifth grade, I was 123 cm; in sixth grade, 130 cm; in seventh grade, 135 cm; in eighth grade, 148 cm; in ninth grade, 150 cm; and in the first year of high school, 154 cm.
Additionally, will the closure of the growth plates affect spinal growth? In other words, if the growth plates are indeed fused, is there still a possibility of growing taller due to spinal growth? Is using growth hormone-releasing peptides still effective? I do not want to miss any potential opportunities.
I am open to trying any methods, and I would appreciate any additional advice and suggestions from the doctor.
Thank you.

Chen Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/04/22

Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine

If bone age assessment indicates that significant height growth is no longer expected, there are currently no proven effective methods to increase height.

Reply Date: 2006/04/22

More Info

As a 16-year-old male concerned about your height, it's understandable to seek answers regarding growth potential and the role of growth hormones. At your age, the growth plates in your bones, known as epiphyseal plates, play a crucial role in determining your final height. These plates are areas of cartilage located at the ends of long bones, and they allow for bone growth during childhood and adolescence. Once these plates close, which typically occurs after puberty, further height increase is unlikely.

From your description, it seems that your growth plates are nearing closure, as indicated by your recent evaluation at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The fact that your doctor estimated your final height to be around 155 cm suggests that your growth potential is limited. However, it's essential to understand that growth can vary significantly among individuals, and some may experience late growth spurts.

Regarding the use of growth hormones, it's important to note that they are typically prescribed for specific medical conditions, such as growth hormone deficiency or certain genetic disorders that affect growth. The administration of growth hormones should always be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Self-prescribing or using growth hormones without medical guidance can lead to serious health risks and side effects.

In terms of your question about whether growth hormones could help you gain an additional 5-6 cm, the answer is not straightforward. While growth hormones can stimulate growth in individuals with deficiencies, their effectiveness in otherwise healthy adolescents with normal hormone levels is limited, especially if the growth plates are close to closing. Additionally, the potential benefits must be weighed against the risks and costs associated with hormone therapy.

As for your concerns about spinal growth, it's important to clarify that the closure of growth plates primarily affects long bone growth. The spine does have some potential for growth through intervertebral discs, but this is minimal and does not significantly contribute to overall height once the growth plates have closed.

If you are considering any interventions, including the use of growth hormone or other supplements, I strongly recommend discussing this with an endocrinologist or a healthcare provider specializing in adolescent growth and development. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history, growth patterns, and current health status.

In the meantime, focusing on a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support your overall well-being and potentially optimize your growth. Nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other vitamins and minerals are vital for bone health and growth. Engaging in activities like basketball, swimming, and stretching exercises can also promote good posture and overall fitness, which may enhance your appearance and confidence.

Lastly, it's essential to manage your expectations and understand that height is just one aspect of who you are. Many factors contribute to a person's success and happiness, and self-acceptance is crucial. Embrace your unique qualities and focus on personal growth in various areas of life, including academics, hobbies, and social relationships.

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