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.

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.

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.

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.