Can You Still Grow Taller After 25? Height Changes

Q: Can You Still Grow Taller After 25? Height Changes

Hello： There is naturally a difference in height measurements taken in the morning and evening, which can range from 1 to 5 centimeters. <br>The taller and younger a person is, the greater the difference may be. <br>Your discrepancy of within 3 centimeters is likely a normal phys

Continuing to grow taller after the age of 25?

Hello Doctor, I am 27 years old this year.
After turning 25, my height increased from 166 cm to 168 cm, and recently I have shown signs of further growth, with a measurement of 169 cm taken at the hospital last month.
I had a significant weight drop to 43 kg when I was 21, and after a hospital examination, I was diagnosed with thyroid antibodies.
I am currently undergoing treatment with methimazole, taking one tablet daily.
During the treatment, I have occasionally reduced my dosage to half a tablet, but due to work-related stress, I have had instances where my levels increased, leading to adjustments between half and one tablet.
My father is 174 cm tall, my mother is 165 cm, and my brother is 182 cm.
After high school, my height plateaued at 166 cm (besides the student health checks during high school and college, I have annual health check records from my workplace).
I first became aware of my potential height increase at 24 when a male classmate at a high school reunion asked if I was still growing; I measured 168 cm at that time.
I thought it was within the normal range, so I didn't worry.
Last year, while traveling in Japan, I noticed I was very close to the subway ceiling, and in various places, I felt taller, which made me anxious.
After returning home, I raised this concern during visits to the clinic for allergies and colds, and each doctor reassured me it was normal.
However, some doctors mentioned that typically, after menstruation begins, the growth plates in females gradually close, and theoretically, further height increase is unlikely.
In February of this year, I mentioned my concerns to my thyroid specialist.
Initially, she thought it was nothing to worry about, but after hearing my description and noting the electronic measurement of 169.1 cm and the traditional measurement of 168.3 cm taken that day, she decided to order a blood test for growth hormone.
I was instructed to return to the hospital for blood work in the morning.
However, two weeks later, the report came back normal.
Recently, I have been feeling very self-conscious, anxious, and nervous whenever I go out, which has affected my appetite.
I would like to ask the doctor: (1) Is it normal to continue growing 2-3 cm after the age of 25? (2) If I still have concerns, which department should I visit at the hospital for further evaluation? Thank you.

Xiao Meng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/04

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: There is naturally a difference in height measurements taken in the morning and evening, which can range from 1 to 5 centimeters.
The taller and younger a person is, the greater the difference may be.
Your discrepancy of within 3 centimeters is likely a normal physiological response.
In the morning, after waking up, the body is at its tallest for the day.
By evening, the cartilage in the joints has been subjected to pressure throughout the day, which can lead to compression.
The vertebrae in the spine are connected by intervertebral discs, which are elastic and can change shape based on the forces applied: they can be compressed under pressure and return to their original shape once the pressure is removed.
Therefore, it is common for height to be lower in the evening compared to the morning.
From a physiological perspective, a slight difference of 1 to 2 centimeters in height measurements taken in the morning and evening is normal.
I recommend consulting with an orthopedic or rehabilitation physician for further discussion and examination.
Wishing you good health and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Medical Center cares about you.
However, due to the recent tight COVID-19 situation, it is advisable to wait until the situation stabilizes before visiting the hospital for an examination.
Please also implement self-protection measures and maintain cleanliness and disinfection before and after seeking medical care.

Reply Date: 2020/04/04

More Info

Growing taller after the age of 25 is a topic that often raises questions and concerns, especially for individuals who notice changes in their height later in life. In your case, you have experienced an increase in height from 166 cm to 169 cm at the age of 27, which is indeed unusual but not entirely unheard of.
To address your first question, it is important to understand the biological processes involved in growth. Typically, the growth plates in the long bones of the body, known as epiphyseal plates, close after puberty. For most females, this closure occurs around the ages of 16 to 18, while for males, it can be around 18 to 21. Once these growth plates close, further height increase is generally not possible. However, there are instances where individuals may experience slight increases in height due to factors such as improved posture, spinal decompression, or even measurement variations. The human body can change throughout life, and factors such as hydration levels, time of day, and measurement techniques can lead to slight fluctuations in height readings.

In your case, the increase of 2-3 cm after the age of 25 could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that the measurements you have taken may reflect normal variations rather than actual growth. It's also worth noting that your history of thyroid issues and the medication you are taking (methimazole) could potentially influence your body's metabolism and overall health, which might have an indirect effect on your height perception. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in growth and development, and any fluctuations in hormone levels can impact various bodily functions.

Regarding your second question about further evaluations, if you still have concerns about your height or any underlying health issues, it would be advisable to consult with an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist specializes in hormone-related conditions and can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of your growth hormone levels and thyroid function. They may recommend tests such as blood tests to assess hormone levels or imaging studies to evaluate your growth plates if necessary.

Additionally, if you are feeling anxious or self-conscious about your height, it might be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional. Height can significantly impact self-esteem and body image, and addressing these feelings can lead to improved overall well-being.

In summary, while it is uncommon to experience significant height increases after the age of 25, slight variations can occur due to measurement discrepancies or other factors. If you have ongoing concerns, consulting with an endocrinologist would be a prudent step to ensure that your health is monitored and managed appropriately. Remember, your height does not define your worth or capabilities, and focusing on your overall health and well-being is paramount.

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