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What Causes An Increase In Height In Adults?

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Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Question: I am a 49 year old female whose height keeps increasing and I don't know why. I can feel the pulling in my back, legs and body. It is happening everyday but is worse when I eat healthy foods and protein. A year ago I was 5'8 and I am now 5'10. I went to an encronologist and she said my blood work and pituitary gland showed fine. I have a thyroid nodules but they are benign. I really need help to know what s causing this. Everyday I wake up my ribs feel like they have been pulled also my pelvic area. I also get pain in the bottom of my feet. Please do you have at idea what can be causing this. I know it is not my imagination because I am now taller than people that were taller than me. Please help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Acromegaly

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The only explanation I can think of for this is excessive growth hormone. It may be caused by acromegaly, a disease where you produce excess growth hormone. It is also possible in some cases to have a tumor that produces growth hormone. Excessive growth hormone can cause an increase in height in adults. It can also cause enlargement of the facial bones, hands and feet.
If you were not tested for growth hormone by the endocrinologist then you need to get that blood test done.
Please seen an opinion from another endocrinologist as this is almost surely an endocrine problem.
Best to you,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (32 minutes later)
I have already been tested for excessive growth hormone and it was normal
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
see another endocrinologist

Detailed Answer:
Growth hormone is the only thing I have ever heard of causing an increase in height in an adult. I suggest that you seek the advice of another endocrinologist for further testing.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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What Causes An Increase In Height In Adults?

Brief Answer: Acromegaly Detailed Answer: Hello, The only explanation I can think of for this is excessive growth hormone. It may be caused by acromegaly, a disease where you produce excess growth hormone. It is also possible in some cases to have a tumor that produces growth hormone. Excessive growth hormone can cause an increase in height in adults. It can also cause enlargement of the facial bones, hands and feet. If you were not tested for growth hormone by the endocrinologist then you need to get that blood test done. Please seen an opinion from another endocrinologist as this is almost surely an endocrine problem. Best to you, Dr. Robinson