Can height-increasing medications really make you taller?

Human growth and development are mainly influenced by multiple factors including genetic factors, nutritional status, hormone levels, sleep quality, and exercise habits. Among these, genetics plays the primary role. Therefore, if parents are not tall, their children's potential for height increase is limited, and the effectiveness of any height-increasing medications will also be constrained.

If growth is affected by factors such as growth hormone deficiency, the appropriate use of height-increasing drugs may have a supportive effect. However, such effects are usually limited.

Moreover, for most adolescents undergoing normal growth and development, height-enhancing medications may not produce significant results. Additionally, these medications may contain hormonal ingredients, and their abuse or improper use could lead to adverse effects on the body.

Most height-increasing drugs contain growth hormone or its analogs and may cause certain side effects, such as joint pain, muscle soreness, and elevated blood sugar levels. Long-term excessive use may even lead to serious conditions such as acromegaly. Furthermore, growth hormone is only effective for minors whose epiphyseal plates are not yet closed. Once the epiphyseal plates have closed, the administration of growth hormone will no longer increase height.

Therefore, for adolescents who wish to grow taller, the safest and most effective approach is to maintain good lifestyle habits, including ensuring adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and appropriate physical activity.