Would hgh be effective at a bone age of 16?

In some cases.......: Bone plates do not completely close until age 30. Treating a patient who has low human growth hormone with hgh at age 16 would most likely add some inches to their height. But this patient should not wait too long, because the benefit does decrease as the bone plates close. Only a person with documented low growth hormone should attempt this treatment. Others wishing to do this should not.

Depends: In general, there are less than 2" of potential growth left for boys when bone age is 16. Girls are essentially done growing. There are indications outside of growth when pediatric endocrinologists use gh in older teens. Gh deficiency can cause metabolic problems in some and may also prevent peak bone mass accrual in older teens/young adults. Hgh may be helpful to these kids.

No: Longitudinal growth is done in girls by bone age of 16 and nearly done in boys with the same bone age. Hgh would not be used for the purpose of growth in a child with a bone age of 16. In patients with persistent gh deficiency who are done growing, we will consider reinitiating hgh at adult doses for the metabolic benefits.