Hello!
I am 21 years old male and have been to the doctors today (endocrinologist) regarding my height as I haven’t grown any taller since around the age of 12. I was quite a tall boy at that age (171cm/5’7 ½) and I am still this height (hence, now I am short to average). I have done blood tests a week ago but not all results were back yet (still waiting for IGF1 to see my GH levels)…all other results were normal except for my testosterone levels which were very high (my Prolactin levels were not in the normal range either but the doctor did not talk about that so I am assuming those levels were not something to worry about). The doctor has not seen my X ray results yet (my left wrist) but believes my growth plates must have prematurely closed at a young age because of the high testosterone levels (he says he cannot say for sure until he sees the x rays though). I have seen my x rays today and it seems all my growth plates in my wrist have closed (I have compared it to an 18 year old bone age x ray and they are very similar whereas the bone age x ray photo of the 17 year old has still some space in his radius.
I have read somewhere that some growth plates don’t close until you are about 25 years old.
1. Is this true?
2. Which bones are these?
3. Can I still grow if given growth hormone?
I have read in various books and websites that basketball players (i.e. Michael Jordan was 5’11’’ in college and is now 6’6’’, Dennis Rodman was 5’6’’ in high school then 5’11’’ during college then 6’8’’ at 22, Scottie Pippen was 6’1’’ in college and is now 6’8’’, etc) reach such great heights because of HGH use in their early to mid 20’s; but if this is the case then how can this be if their growth plates had fused?
Please understand my frustration and please be honest. I await your replies with anxiety!
Thanks!