Can Growth Hormone Treatment Affect My Height at 17?

Questions regarding growth hormone?

I am currently 17 years old and received growth hormone treatment two years ago, which helped me grow nearly 20 centimeters.
However, I stopped the treatment afterward.
I would like to ask the doctor if this will affect my current height growth.
Two years ago, the doctor who administered the growth hormone told me that my bone age was only 15 or 16.
Currently, I jump rope 300 times daily, maintain a balanced diet, and have a habit of going to bed early and waking up early.
Do I still have a chance to grow taller?

Guo Xiansheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/10/14

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

1.
There are many reasons for short stature, including both primary and secondary factors.
Primary factors include genetic disorders, congenital bone metabolism abnormalities, short stature in parents, and delayed bone age.
Secondary factors include chronic diseases, chronic kidney failure, congenital heart disease, hypothyroidism, and growth hormone deficiency.

2.
Generally, the growth plates in the bones are the basis for bone growth.
Once secondary sexual characteristics appear, such as the growth of pubic hair, prominence of the Adam's apple, and the onset of menstruation, the growth plates enter the ossification stage, meaning they no longer divide and grow, and height increase ceases.
3.
Growth hormone secretion occurs at night, so it is recommended to go to bed around 10 PM.
Additionally, adequate exercise and nutrition are also essential.
4.
It is advisable to first discuss and examine these concerns with your family physician before making any decisions.
Wishing you peace and well-being.
Dr.
Hsiang Yong-Hsun, Keelung Hospital.

Reply Date: 2010/10/14

More Info

At 17 years old, you are at a critical point in your growth and development. The use of growth hormone (GH) treatment can indeed have an impact on your height, especially if you started the treatment during a period of growth. It’s important to understand how growth hormone works and the factors that influence height.

Growth hormone is crucial for growth and development, particularly during childhood and adolescence. It stimulates growth plates in the bones, which are areas of developing cartilage tissue that eventually harden into bone. If you received growth hormone therapy two years ago and experienced a height increase of nearly 20 centimeters, it indicates that the treatment was effective during that time. However, the cessation of treatment can lead to a plateau in growth, particularly if your growth plates are nearing closure.

You mentioned that your bone age was assessed to be around 15-16 years, which suggests that you still have some potential for growth. Bone age is an important indicator of growth potential; if your bone plates have not yet fused, you may still have the opportunity to grow taller. Generally, males can continue to grow until their early twenties, but the rate of growth slows significantly after puberty.

Your current lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise (like skipping rope), a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene, are all beneficial for maximizing your growth potential. Exercise stimulates the release of growth hormone, and adequate sleep is crucial since the majority of growth hormone secretion occurs during deep sleep, particularly in the early part of the night.

While you may still have some potential for growth, it’s essential to consider that genetics plays a significant role in determining height. Your parents' heights may set a genetic limit on your potential height. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to exceed their parents' heights, especially if they have a late growth spurt.

If you are concerned about your height and growth potential, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an endocrinologist or a pediatrician specializing in growth disorders. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, including assessing your growth plates through X-rays, and provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.

In summary, while you may still have some opportunity to grow taller at 17, it largely depends on your bone age, genetic factors, and overall health. Continuing your healthy lifestyle and seeking professional guidance will be beneficial as you navigate this phase of growth.

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