Can Late Menstruation Affect Height Growth in Teen Girls?

I still want to grow taller?

Hello, doctor.
I am 18 years old and 168 cm tall.
I got my first period at 14, and although the flow is not very heavy, it is quite regular.
My father is 183 cm tall and my mother is 160 cm tall.
I have used some height calculation formulas, and it seems I should be able to grow a bit taller.
I feel that starting my period at 14 is quite late, and I have heard that girls who start their periods later tend to grow taller, but I have only grown less than 5 cm since I started menstruating.
I see many people online saying that girls can grow significantly taller for up to two years after their first period.
I understand that menstrual flow is related to hormones, and height growth is also influenced by hormones.
So, I would like to ask if my height is affected by my menstrual cycle.
Earlier this year, I measured my height and it increased by about 1-2 cm.
Does this mean I still have a chance to grow taller? Until what age can girls who start their periods late continue to grow, and when is it considered that a girl has completed puberty if she started menstruating late? Thank you for your response.

Girls who want to grow taller, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/19

Dr. Fan Chunmei reply Nutrition

Hello, you are 18 years old and 168 cm tall, which is quite good.
There are many factors that influence an individual's height, including genetic inheritance, diet, exercise, and sleep.
Adequate sleep of at least 8 hours is essential; without sufficient rest, no amount of nutrition will be effective.
A balanced diet should include enough calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, small dried fish, and sesame seeds, while avoiding junk food like soda, cola, bubble tea, sweets, and snacks.
Additionally, engaging in physical activities such as playing sports or jumping rope, along with sufficient sun exposure for vitamin D3, can contribute to height growth.
Wishing you peace and happiness! Sincerely, Dietitian Fan Chun-Mei, Director of the Nutrition Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/03/19

More Info

The question of whether late menstruation affects height growth in teenage girls is a complex one, influenced by various biological and environmental factors. In your case, you mentioned that you started your menstruation at the age of 14, which is considered late compared to the average onset age of around 12. This late onset can indeed have implications for your growth potential, but it is not the sole determinant of your final height.

Firstly, it is essential to understand the growth patterns during puberty. For girls, the most significant growth spurts typically occur shortly before and during the onset of menstruation. This period is known as the "growth spurt" phase, where girls can experience rapid increases in height due to the surge in growth hormone and sex hormones like estrogen. After menarche (the first menstrual period), girls generally continue to grow for about two to three years, albeit at a slower rate. The growth plates in the long bones eventually close, which signifies the end of height increase.

In your case, since you started menstruating at 14, you may still have some growth potential left, especially if your growth plates have not yet closed. The fact that you have measured an increase of 1-2 cm recently suggests that your body may still be in a phase where it can grow, albeit slowly. It is also important to consider that genetics plays a significant role in determining height. With a father who is 183 cm tall, you have a genetic predisposition to be taller, which may still be realized even if your menstruation started later than average.

Regarding the concern that late menstruation might allow for greater height, this is somewhat true. Girls who experience delayed puberty may have a longer period of growth before their growth plates close. However, this does not guarantee that they will grow significantly taller than their peers who started menstruating earlier. The overall growth potential is still influenced by genetics, nutrition, and overall health.

As for when puberty is considered "late," it is generally defined as the onset of secondary sexual characteristics (like breast development) occurring after age 13 for girls. If menstruation has not started by age 15, it may be classified as delayed puberty. However, each individual is different, and some may continue to grow into their late teens.

To maximize your growth potential, focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, as these nutrients are crucial for bone health and growth. Regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises, can also stimulate growth hormone production. Adequate sleep is essential, as growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep.

In conclusion, while late menstruation can influence growth patterns, it is not the only factor at play. Your genetic background, nutrition, and overall health will significantly impact your final height. If you have concerns about your growth or development, consulting with a healthcare provider or an endocrinologist can provide personalized insights and recommendations.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Delayed Menstruation in Adolescents: Key Concerns

Hello, doctor. My younger child is in the first year of junior high, but she says her period hasn't started yet. With the midterm exams coming up, could this affect her? Also, I think she is quite short; she is the same height as me, while my older child, who is in junior hi...

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Menstrual irregularities can be influenced by stress during monthly exams. Even if menstruation occurs, engaging in more physical activity (such as running on the track) can still provide an opportunity for growth.

Understanding Growth Patterns and Menstruation in Preteens

Hello, doctor. My daughter is currently in the 6th grade, with a height of 153 cm, and she has not yet started her menstrual period. Among the 6th grade girls at her school, her height is considered average. Last July, she had a bone age assessment, which indicated that her bone ...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
The absence of menstruation indicates that one has not yet entered the active phase of puberty, so there is no concern about the growth period coming to an end. When menstruation begins, it signifies the onset of active puberty, during which height increases more rapidly. Therefo...

Impact of Early Menstruation on Growth and Future Health in Girls

Hello Dr. Chiu: My daughter is 10 years old and has been menstruating for almost a year. It seems that her height has not increased. Will she have a chance to grow taller in the future? What impact will this have on her later on?

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Precocious puberty can indeed lead to early closure of the growth plates, resulting in a halt in height increase. Please consult a pediatrician or pediatric orthopedic specialist. Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Tips for Height Improvement

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
A fifth-grade girl (approximately 11 years old) has started menstruating but has not reached the level of precocious puberty. Masturbation and watching adult films do not affect height or cause precocious puberty. If a child's lower limb bones are injured and this affects th...