Struggling with growth issues

Greetings. I find myself facing a rather frustrating situation regarding my physical development. I am nearly 17 years old now, but looking back, my growth seems to have stalled almost entirely since the 8th grade. At that point, I stood about 5'3", and despite all this time passing, I’ve only managed to reach 5'4". It feels incredibly stagnant. I am writing because I want to inquire about growth hormone therapy; I’m curious if anyone here has navigated this process or has any firsthand experience to share. Specifically, I am wondering which type of specialist I should seek out or what the typical medical path looks like for someone in my position. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there.
First off, being 5'4" isn't a tragedy for a 17-year-old. It’s on the shorter side, sure, but plenty of men live at that height. If you decide it doesn't bother you, then it won't 🙂
Take a look at your parents' heights, then check your grandfathers, uncles, and cousins... see when they hit their peak growth spurts. You might just be a late bloomer, meaning you still have some growing left to do. If most of your male relatives hover around 5'7", it likely isn't a growth hormone deficiency; it's just your genetic blueprint.
Before anyone even considers growth hormone therapy, you'll need to go through an extensive battery of tests to determine if you actually have a deficiency and if you're even a candidate for treatment. Even if you do start it, don't expect to suddenly reach NBA proportions—especially at 17, when your growth plates are already starting to close.
If you want to get checked out to see where you stand, head over to Mayo Clinic, specifically the pediatric endocrinology department. That's where they handle these kinds of evaluations and treatments. Just remember, you'll need a referral from your doctor first. 😉
Good luck!