What to do if you're not growing taller during puberty
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Short stature during puberty may be caused by insufficient nutrient intake, poor sleep quality, inadequate growth hormone secretion, hypothyroidism, abnormal bone development, or other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through nutritional supplementation, medication, or other treatments. In daily life, consistently engage in vertical stretching exercises such as basketball and jump rope for at least 30 minutes per day.
Generally, short stature during puberty may be caused by insufficient nutrient intake, poor sleep quality, inadequate growth hormone secretion, hypothyroidism, abnormal bone development, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through nutritional supplementation, medication, or other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Insufficient nutrient intake: Lack of key nutrients such as protein and calcium can hinder bone growth. Ensure daily intake of milk, eggs, and lean meat; consume more fish, shrimp, and soy products to supplement calcium and protein. Avoid picky eating and maintain balanced meals throughout the day.
2. Poor sleep quality: Growth hormone is primarily secreted during deep sleep at night. Staying up late or suffering from insomnia can suppress hormone secretion. Go to bed before 10 p.m. every night, ensure 8–9 hours of sleep, avoid using mobile phones or drinking coffee before bedtime, and create a quiet, dark sleeping environment.
3. Inadequate growth hormone secretion: Reduced hormone secretion due to hypothalamic dysfunction leads to slow height growth. Follow medical advice to use medications such as human growth hormone injections, lysine vitamin B12 granules, and oral zinc gluconate solution, combined with appropriate exercise to enhance absorption.
4. Hypothyroidism: Insufficient thyroid hormone affects metabolism and bone development, often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and cold intolerance. Patients should take medications like levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, and lysine vitamin B12 granules as prescribed, and regularly monitor thyroid function.
5. Abnormal bone development: Conditions such as chondrodysplasia restrict bone growth, resulting in significantly shorter stature compared to peers. Medications such as vitamin D drops, calcium carbonate D3 tablets, and alendronate sodium tablets should be used according to medical advice. In severe cases, limb-lengthening surgery may be considered to promote bone growth through skeletal distraction.
Engage regularly in vertical stretching exercises such as basketball and jump rope for at least 30 minutes per day. Maintain a positive mindset and avoid excessive anxiety. Through scientific management of diet, sleep, and physical activity, support healthy height development during puberty.
