Does Testosterone Make You Taller? The Truth About Growth & Hormones

Last Updated: February 21, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: February 21, 2025.

Many people wonder whether testosterone can make them taller. Testosterone is a key hormone in the human body, responsible for various functions such as muscle growth, bone density, and puberty development. However, there is a lot of misinformation about the role of testosterone when it comes to height.

In this article, we will explore how height growth works, how testosterone affects the body, and whether boosting testosterone levels can make a person taller. By the end, you will clearly understand the science behind growth and hormones.

How Does Height Growth Work?

Height is mainly determined by genetics, meaning that the height of your parents plays a significant role in how tall you will be. However, several other factors contribute to a person’s final height, including nutrition, hormone levels, and overall health.

The Role of Growth Plates

Growth happens at special areas of the bones called growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates. These plates are made of cartilage and are located at the ends of long bones. During childhood and adolescence, growth plates remain open, allowing bones to lengthen and height to increase.

Once a person reaches the end of puberty, usually between the ages of 16 and 20, growth plates close, after this happens, no further natural height increase is possible.

Key Factors That Affect Height

• Genetics – The primary factor that determines how tall you will be.
• Nutrition – A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals supports proper growth.
• Hormones – Human Growth Hormone (HGH), thyroid hormones, and sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen play roles in height development.
• Physical Activity – Exercise, stretching, and sports contribute to bone strength and posture.
• Sleep – The body releases the most growth hormone during deep sleep, making rest essential for development.

What Is Testosterone and What Does It Do?

Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testes in males and, in smaller amounts, in the ovaries in females. It is important in puberty and male development and affects various aspects of the body.

Some of the main functions of testosterone include:

• Stimulating muscle growth
• Strengthening bones
• Influencing fat distribution
• Deepening the voice
• Promoting body and facial hair growth
• Regulating sex drive and reproductive functions

Although testosterone contributes to bone health and development, it is not the main hormone responsible for height growth.

Can Testosterone Make You Taller?

The impact of testosterone on height depends on a person’s age and whether their growth plates are still open.

During Puberty:

Testosterone does have a role in height growth during puberty, but it does not directly cause bones to grow longer. Instead, it helps by increasing the production of growth hormone (HGH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), both of which are necessary for bone lengthening.

Testosterone also strengthens bones, which contributes to overall body structure. However, an excessive amount of testosterone can lead to early closure of growth plates, preventing further height increase.

After Puberty:

Once growth plates close, testosterone can no longer make a person taller. Taking extra testosterone or using testosterone boosters after puberty will not lead to an increase in height.

Instead, testosterone in adulthood contributes to:

• Increased muscle mass
• Greater bone density
• Higher energy levels
• Improved mood and cognitive function

Since bones stop lengthening after puberty, height cannot be changed through testosterone treatment in adults.

The Difference Between Growth Hormone (HGH) and Testosterone

Although testosterone plays a supporting role in bone development, human growth hormone (HGH) is the primary hormone responsible for height growth. HGH directly stimulates the growth of long bones during childhood and adolescence.

Doctors sometimes prescribe HGH therapy for children with growth deficiencies, but testosterone therapy is not commonly used to increase height.

Do Testosterone Boosters Help Increase Height?

Many products claim to boost testosterone and promote growth, but most of these supplements do not increase height after puberty.

For teenagers who are still growing, medical testosterone therapy may be used in rare cases where a doctor identifies a deficiency. However, taking testosterone boosters without medical supervision can have harmful effects.

Possible side effects of excessive testosterone use include:

• Increased risk of heart problems
• Mood swings and aggression
• Liver and kidney issues
• Acne and skin problems
• Premature closure of growth plates, which can actually stunt growth if taken too early

Since testosterone is not the primary driver of height, relying on supplements for growth is not an effective or safe strategy.

5 Natural Ways to Support Height Growth

There are several natural ways to maximize height potential for individuals who are still growing. While genetics play the biggest role, lifestyle choices can also make a difference.

1. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Proper nutrition is essential for bone development. A diet high in protein, vitamins, and minerals supports overall growth. Some of the best foods for bone health include:

• Protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and beans
• Dairy products that provide calcium for strong bones
• Leafy green vegetables rich in essential vitamins
• Whole grains for sustained energy and overall health

2. Get Enough Sleep

The body releases the most growth hormone during deep sleep. Teens and children should aim for at least eight to ten hours of sleep per night to support proper growth.

3. Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise helps keep bones strong and supports good posture. Basketball, swimming, cycling, and stretching exercises can be beneficial. While no exercise can directly make bones grow longer, proper posture and core strength can help a person stand taller and appear more confident.

4. Maintain Good Posture

Slouching can make a person look shorter than they actually are. Practicing good posture by keeping the back straight and shoulders relaxed can improve height appearance.

5. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol use can negatively impact bone health and hormone balance, potentially affecting height development in teenagers.

So Does Testosterone Increase Height?

The role of testosterone in height growth is limited to puberty. It helps support growth by increasing bone density and promoting growth hormone production, but it is not the main hormone responsible for making a person taller.

Once growth plates close, no amount of testosterone can increase height. Instead, natural factors such as nutrition, sleep, and exercise play a more significant role in helping a person reach their full height potential.

For those concerned about height growth, consulting a doctor or endocrinologist can provide better insights into hormone balance and growth-related concerns.

Conclusion

Testosterone contributes to bone strength and development but does not directly cause height growth. For those still in puberty, maintaining a healthy diet, proper sleep, and regular exercise is the best way to support natural growth. After puberty, height cannot be increased naturally or through hormone treatments.

If height concerns persist, speaking with a medical professional can provide clarity on possible growth-related issues.