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Can I prevent further height gain?

Dr Anju Virmani
Consultant Endocrinologist,
Sunder Lal Jain Hospital,
New Delhi

Q: I am a 21 years old male, doing my studies. I have a problem with my growth hormone. Since last 3 years I have been increasing in my height pretty fast. Now I am 6.4 ft. I am scared of growing more. Please suggest me some operation to reduce my height, because of this my jaw is elongated and my eyes have a squint. I need your help as my interaction with people is getting affected by this. Please suggest a way to reduce my height.

A:You appear to be suffering from a disease called acromegaly, due to anexcess secretion of growth hormone, as you have correctly stated. You needto be thoroughly investigated and treated by a team of competentendocrinologist and neurosurgeon. Your height cannot be reduced, but if youtake your care seriously and get treated quickly, further height gain can beprevented. In addition to the problem of your interaction with people gettingaffected, you run the risk of several health problems if you delaytreatment.