Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth and development, especially during childhood and adolescence. HGH levels peak during puberty and then decline with age. Many factors influence HGH levels, including genetics, sleep, exercise, nutrition, and body composition.
- Effects of HGH
- Promotes linear growth of bones and tissues during childhood and adolescence
- Increases muscle mass and decreases fat mass
- Boosts protein synthesis and stimulates cell reproduction and regeneration
- Improves exercise capacity by enhancing energy metabolism and cardiovascular function
- Strengthens the immune system and helps wounds heal faster
So
does HGH make you grow taller? Let's analyze in detail:
- If your growth plates have closed, HGH will not make you any taller. Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are areas of cartilage near the ends of bones. When the growth plates fuse and harden into solid bone, you can no longer grow taller even with HGH. This typically happens by late adolescence.
- In children and teenagers who still have open growth plates, HGH can promote linear bone growth and increase height. The effects are most pronounced in individuals with abnormally low HGH levels, such as children with growth hormone deficiency.
- For adults who have finished puberty and have closed growth plates, increasing HGH through injections or supplements will not increase height. However, it may help build lean body mass.
Risks of artificial HGH supplementation:
- Acromegaly and excessive growth of hands, feet and face
- Nerve, muscle or joint pain
- Increased insulin resistance and diabetes risk
- Swelling due to fluid retention (edema)
- Enlarged heart and high blood pressure
Vitality Hormone Clinic provides comprehensive
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help patients achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Our expert physicians create fully customized plans using bioidentical hormones including HGH to target deficiencies or imbalances. Schedule a consultation today to discover how HRT can benefit you!
In summary, while HGH has important functions throughout life, its growth promoting effects depend on the stage of development.
Exogenous HGH can stimulate linear growth before the closure of epiphyseal plates, but it cannot increase height after puberty ends. As with any medical intervention, HGH requires close medical supervision due to potential health risks. Maintaining adequate sleep, nutrition and exercise is vital for natural HGH production. For those with clinical deficiencies, low-dose supervised HGH therapy may help regain normal functioning.