Human growth hormone (HGH) is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction. It is made naturally by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in growth during childhood and adolescence. HGH levels peak during puberty and start declining after age 30.
As we age, HGH levels decline naturally. This decline is associated with changes like decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, reduced bone density, decreased energy levels, and more.
Supplementing with HGH aims to restore optimal levels, potentially providing anti-aging benefits like:
- Increased muscle mass and decreased body fat
- Improved bone density
- More energy and improved mood
- Enhanced exercise performance
When it comes to height specifically, HGH has been studied for its ability to increase height in those whose growth plates have not closed yet. The growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are areas of developing cartilage tissue found near the ends of long bones during childhood and adolescence. When the growth plates close and ossify into solid bone, longitudinal growth stops.
Factors Determining Potential Height Increase with HGH
- Age - Younger individuals see more height growth, as their growth plates are likely still open
- Genetics - Your genes play a major role in your height potential
- Dosage - Higher therapeutic doses increase chances for more height growth
- Duration - Longer treatment periods allow more time for increase
- Deficiency levels - Those with very low existing HGH levels may have more room for catch-up growth
In terms of specific inches gained, it varies substantially per individual. However, studies report the following averages:
- Healthy children with idiopathic short stature - around 4-6 inches gained over several years
- Children with growth hormone deficiency - gained average of 4 inches after one year and 7 inches after two years of HGH therapy
In adults, because growth plates have usually fused closed, only smaller amounts of height increase are possible.
- One study showed adults gained an average of 1.5 inches after hormone replacement therapy containing growth hormone and thyroid hormone over 2 years. Gains plateaued after second year indicating closure of growth plates.
So in summary, those still growing with open plates see more height increase, usually averaging around 4-7 inches with consistent long-term therapy. Adults see ≤1.5 inches on average before plate closure restricts further vertical growth.
Important Considerations Before Seeking HGH Therapy
- Have growth plates been evaluated for closure status? Once closed, very little height increase possible
- Get evaluated for growth hormone deficiency versus other causes of short stature
- Discuss family history and genetics - how realistic are 5 inch goals?
- Consider potential side effects
- Therapeutic HGH is injectable - discuss compliance and costs
If deficient and plates still open, therapeutic HGH under medical supervision may support catch-up growth. Work with an endocrinologist or hormone specialist to evaluate if suitable.
: Consider contacting
Vitality Renewal Clinic at Their hormone balancing programs feature an all-inclusive approach including growth factors, thyroid hormone, hormones precursors and therapies to optimize cellular function and communication. Contact them today for a free consultation with one of their highly trained hormone specialists!