Does Human Growth Hormones Increase my height?

I'm 19 and 5-foot-8. I've thought about the use of the human growth hormone (hGH) pills to supplement my exercise routine and to increase my height. Are hGH supplements really going to increase my height, as well as are there risk to my health?

Doctor's response

I'm not an expert on the effects of the human growth hormone (hGH) on height, however through my interactions with pediatric endocrinologists I have observed hGH to stimulate growth in adolescents with a deficiency in growth hormone. It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for children in case you are worried regarding your height. Your primary-care doctor can refer you.

If you're considering supplementing your workouts with hGH, there's not any evidence to suggest it improves your performance in sports, and when it comes to expanding your muscles there are a few who respond differently and results can vary greatly. Also, the risk that come from taking hGH with no medical supervision are the same as steroids for severe body and facial acne as well as Gynecomastia (you get larger breasts) and premature balding reduced high-density lipoprotein (the healthy fat) as well as increased low-density lipid (the fat that is responsible for heart disease) and higher levels of total cholesterol and thrombolytic problems dependence like addicts anger, irritability and aggressiveness liver and kidney dysfunction and liver tumors. Testicular atrophy (your testicles shrink) and a decrease in the number of sperm in your body, pain while taking a urination, prostatitis and impotence (inability to have an erection) and infertility (inability to bear children) and premature closing of the bone growth plate (which will slow your growth).

Further:

HGH is not legal to make use of without a prescription from a physician.
You don't know the substances you're putting in your body when you purchase it from the Internet. This could include anything, since it's not controlled or monitored.
It's very costly.
It can only be administered by Syringes. That means you have a higher chance of developing HIV as well as other diseases.

I understand how difficult it can be to be taller as your peers. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. For certain men it's enough to exercise, do their best (train rigorously, remain focused, and eat a healthy diet) as well as play sports and eventually, they realize that size doesn't mean everything. At 19, you might not be quite there yet, and it's normal. I recommend that you talk with your physician right away should you decide to investigate the possibility of treating hGH. An endocrinologist will determine whether the treatment is necessary and, if it is you can begin. However, don't let your wish to be taller or gain larger muscles obscure your judgement. In the event of taking hGH and acquiring it without the guidance of a doctor could be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should give your doctor a call should you're considering the treatment options for hGH.