Human growth hormone (HGH) is the primary hormone responsible for increasing height in both females and males.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Human Growth Hormone (HGH): HGH, also known as somatotropin, is produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. While present throughout life, it's particularly important during childhood and adolescence for bone and cartilage growth, directly affecting height.
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Mechanism of Action: HGH doesn't directly cause bone growth. Instead, it stimulates the liver to produce Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 then promotes the growth of cartilage at the epiphyseal plates (growth plates) in long bones.
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Estrogen's Role: While HGH is the primary driver of height increase, estrogen, a key female sex hormone, also plays a role, albeit a complex one. Estrogen contributes to the growth spurt during puberty. However, it also eventually causes the closure of the epiphyseal plates, effectively ending height growth. Therefore, while estrogen contributes to the onset of the growth spurt, it also signals its eventual termination.
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Other Factors: Genetics, nutrition, and overall health also significantly influence height.
In summary, while estrogen is involved in the growth process during puberty, human growth hormone (HGH) is the primary hormone that directly increases female height by stimulating the production of IGF-1, which then promotes bone growth.
