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We’ve all heard about the connection between testosterone and muscularity in men. But what about testosterone and height? Do high testosterone levels really add inches to your frame?
The answer isn’t so straightforward.
First, it’s important to mention the most important determinant of adult height—genetics.
According to twin studies, a person’s DNA is 80% responsible for determining their adult height. In other words, if a person’s parents are six feet tall in stature, they have an increased likelihood of being tall as well.
And for the other 20%? This includes the following:
- Nutrition
- Hormones
- Medical conditions
So, while DNA may play a role in one’s height, it’s not the sole factor.
Then begs the question, where does testosterone fit into the picture? Does testosterone make you taller?
Testosterone is a vital hormone that drives growth, especially during adolescence. Studies have shown that testosterone plays an important role in the development of primary and secondary male characteristics like stronger muscles, increased libido, and body hair.
When a boy reaches puberty, he experiences a growth spurt where his testosterone levels start to ramp up significantly. This process accelerates the growth of his body, the most prominent of which is his height.
Let’s learn more about what testosterone is, what hormones influence your height, and the natural and effective ways you can grow taller.
What Factors Influence Height?
Growth hormones made in the pituitary glands have the greatest impact on stature. These include human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
Though testosterone is not a growth hormone, it does stimulate the production of HGH and IGF-1. This is why high testosterone levels can lead to an increase in height, especially during puberty.
A growth hormone deficiency, however, may cause problems in the growth plate in stimulating growth and may end up making someone shorter.
During infant and childhood development, the human growth hormone is responsible for the elongation of bones. At this time in their lives, children undergo stages of continuous growth.
Children grow at a rate of 2.5 to 3.5 inches per year from the ages of two to five years old. Growth begins to slow down at about 2.5 inches per year for children aged 10 and above.
As they enter their pubescent stages at around 11 to 21 years of age, they will grow to their final height. Around this time, the growth plates in their bones stop creating new bones.
As people continue to age, they may also start losing height.
How to Grow Taller Naturally
Though you may not be able to control your DNA, there are some things you can do to affect growth, such astestosterone replacement therapy and HGH therapy.
Here are some tips on how to grow taller naturally:
1. Get More Sleep
During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormones that play an important role in promoting growth to your height.
Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. This is crucial to allow your body to properly regenerate and grow.
2. Exercise Consistently
Regular exercise helps increase growth hormone production and promote bone growth.
Some exercise regimens are particularly effective in boosting testosterone levels and stimulating more rapid growth in individuals.
These exercises include:
HIIT Training
High-intensity interval training refers to short and intense bursts of exercise spread out at regular intervals. This workout helps increase testosterone levels and promote growth.
One study reported that testosterone levels rose significantly after participants performed six, full-burst 35-meter sprints with 10 seconds of rest following each sprint.
Weight Training
Weight training, also known as resistance training, is a technique that utilizes weight to create resistance against muscular contraction. This type of training helps increase muscle mass and burn fat.
Weightlifting has also been shown to increase testosterone levels in males that last over the long term. Having a gym instructor or physical therapist close by may also help keep you safe during weight training programs.
Calisthenics
You don’t have to go to the gym and pump iron to get the results you want. Calisthenics is also an effective way to stimulate testosterone production.
Some simple exercises you can do at home include:
- Crunches
- Push-ups
- Squats
- Jumping Jacks
- Sit-ups
- Pull-ups
Research suggests that older men who perform light exercises have improved testosterone levels.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
The food and nutrients you eat can play a big role in the production of sex hormones.
Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D and Zinc are especially beneficial to consume since they contain the correct nutrients for testosterone production.
These include:
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Egg Yolk
- Oysters
- Olive Oil
Similarly, avoiding foods that can hamper T production is also important.
These include:
- Sugar
- Processed Foods
- Alcohol
- Coffee
By improving your lifestyle, you can gain all the benefits of a stronger and healthier body.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is an androgen hormone that is produced primarily in the testicles. It is responsible for the development of male characteristics like muscle mass, body hair, and a deep voice.
When a person reaches puberty, their testosterone levels surge and help to promote growth in the bones and muscles. This is why boys experience a growth spurt during puberty, as their testosterone levels are working overtime to help them grow taller and stronger.
To determine testosterone levels, the patient has to undergo a series of blood tests. For adult males, the normal levels of testosterone range from about 280 and 1,100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
If testosterone levels fall below that threshold, it might be a sign of a pituitary problem in adult males. For younger males, it could be a sign of delayed puberty.
Low testosterone levels can increase the odds of developing health problems such as:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Low concentration
- Depression
- Moodiness
- Low sex drive
If you experience any of the above health problems, contact a local men’s health clinic to get treatment.
Contact Atlanta’s Top Men’s Clinic for a Low Testosterone Consultation
So, does testosterone make you taller? The body produces hormones in the pituitary gland that are specifically responsible for height growth, so testosterone isn’t the primary instigator.
However, having high testosterone levels is beneficial for optimal growth during adolescents.
If you’re interested to know more about adding a few inches to your height or boosting your testosterone levels, contact a doctor for a customized plan for you. If you’re having issues with low testosterone, hormone imbalances, or other sexual health issues such as ED, call the team at Priority Men’s Medical Center in Atlanta now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are a leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
