Growth hormone (GH) is the hormone responsible for increases in height. It is produced by the pituitary gland and influences the growth of bones, muscles, and other tissues in the body. GH is primarily responsible for growth during childhood and adolescence, when the body is going through rapid changes.
GH is released in pulses throughout the day, and its release is controlled by a number of factors. The main factor is the amount of sleep a person gets. Studies show that more sleep results in higher GH release, and vice versa. Other factors that influence GH release include exercise, nutrition, stress, and certain medications.
When GH is released, it triggers the release of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a hormone that stimulates cells and encourages growth. It also stimulates the production of cartilage in the epiphyseal plate, which is a layer of cartilage at the ends of bones that allows them to grow longer.
GH and IGF-1 work together to increase height. As a person grows, the bones get longer, and the muscles and other tissues become larger. It’s important to note that while GH can help increase height, other factors such as genetics and nutrition play a large role in determining a person’s final height.