By Jordan Stachel, MS, RDN, CPT

Does Testosterone Make You Taller? Exploring the Facts and Myths

For many people - especially teens, parents, or those exploring hormone therapy - the question often arises: Does testosterone make you taller? With a flood of conflicting information online, it’s important to understand what science actually says about testosterone’s role in height, growth plates, and puberty.

In this article, we’ll explore how testosterone affects height, when it plays a critical role in growth, and whether testosterone therapy can impact adult height.

The Role of Testosterone in Growth and Development

Testosterone is a key sex hormone that influences the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair, voice deepening, and increased muscle mass. However, it also plays an essential role in linear bone growth during puberty, especially in males.

The process of growing taller involves growth plates - also known as epiphyseal plates - which are areas of cartilage located at the ends of long bones. These plates allow bones to lengthen throughout childhood and adolescence. As puberty progresses, testosterone helps convert these plates from cartilage to solid bone, a process known as epiphyseal closure, which effectively marks the end of vertical growth.

But testosterone doesn’t work alone. It interacts closely with growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to stimulate the rapid increase in height observed during adolescence.

Can Testosterone Make You Taller?

The answer depends heavily on timing. Testosterone can contribute to height if the growth plates are still open, which typically occurs during early to mid-puberty. In this stage, testosterone boosts growth hormone production and promotes long bone growth, leading to increased height.

However, once the growth plates have fused - which usually happens around ages 15–17 in females and 17–19 in males - no amount of testosterone will cause a person to grow taller. At this stage, height is genetically and structurally fixed.

Testosterone Therapy and Height: What the Research Says

In Adolescents with Delayed Puberty

In certain medical cases - such as constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) - doctors may prescribe testosterone therapy to help initiate puberty in adolescents. The goal here is to “jumpstart” the hormonal cascade that leads to puberty, growth acceleration, and eventual sexual development.

Studies show that short-term testosterone therapy in adolescents with CDGP may help them reach their genetically expected adult height, especially if growth plates are still open when treatment begins. However, this must be done cautiously to avoid premature closure of growth plates, which could result in shorter-than-expected stature.

In Adults

In adults, testosterone therapy can help with symptoms related to low testosterone, such as fatigue, reduced libido, or muscle loss, but it will not increase height. By adulthood, the growth plates have typically fused, eliminating the possibility for further longitudinal bone growth.

Debunking Common Myths

“Higher testosterone means you’ll grow taller.”

Not necessarily. Genetics plays the most significant role in determining adult height. Testosterone influences the timing and speed of puberty, but not a person's maximum potential height. In fact, if puberty occurs too early due to high testosterone levels, growth plates may close prematurely, potentially reducing final height.

“Taking testosterone as an adult can help you grow.”

This is false. Adult bones can thicken or increase in density through strength training or hormone therapy, but height remains unchanged after epiphyseal plate fusion.

How Growth Hormone and Testosterone Interact

While testosterone is important for stimulating growth, its effect is largely mediated through growth hormone (GH). GH stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, which directly promotes growth at the growth plates. Testosterone amplifies GH secretion, especially during puberty, which contributes to the pubertal growth spurt.

This interaction explains why testosterone replacement in adolescents with GH deficiency or pubertal delay can result in noticeable height increases, but only if the growth plates haven’t closed.

Side Effects and Considerations of Testosterone Therapy

Though testosterone therapy can help in certain medical scenarios, it carries risks, especially if taken without medical supervision:

• Premature closure of growth plates
• Acne, mood changes, and increased aggression
• Fertility suppression (testosterone can reduce sperm production)
• Gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in males)
• Cardiovascular risks in older adults with underlying conditions

It is not recommended to take testosterone in hopes of increasing height without a legitimate medical reason and physician oversight.

Can You Still Grow Taller Without Testosterone Therapy?

For teens and young adults with concerns about height, here are natural factors that support optimal growth:

• Adequate sleep: Growth hormone is released in deep sleep stages.
• Balanced diet: Sufficient intake of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and zinc supports bone growth.
• Physical activity: Especially weight-bearing and stretching exercises.
• Avoiding endocrine disruptors: Such as excessive alcohol, smoking, and certain medications during puberty.

If you or your child is concerned about short stature, it may be worthwhile to consult a pediatric endocrinologist and check hormone levels, including testosterone and IGF-1.

FAQs: Common Questions About Testosterone and Height

Can testosterone make you taller if you’re still growing?
Yes, testosterone can contribute to increased height if growth plates are still open, typically during puberty.

Can testosterone increase height after puberty?
No. Once growth plates fuse after puberty, testosterone will not affect height.

Does testosterone therapy help with delayed puberty?
In cases like CDGP, short-term testosterone therapy can help initiate puberty and support expected height outcomes.

Does higher testosterone always result in more height?
No. Higher testosterone may actually cause earlier growth plate fusion, shortening the total growth window.

How can I check if my growth plates are still open?
An X-ray of the hand and wrist can help assess bone age and determine growth plate status. Speak with your healthcare provider.

How Everlywell Can Help

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Whether you're monitoring developmental health or investigating symptoms of low testosterone, our test provides fast, accurate insights that can help you take the next step in your healthcare journey.