Height Growth: Is There Hope After Growth Plate Closure?

Height issues

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about height issues.
My height was only 131 cm before the winter break of the first year of junior high school.
After the winter break, during a height measurement, it increased to 16X cm, meaning I grew at least 30 cm in that six-month period.
In the second year of junior high, I measured 166 cm.
I did not measure my height in the third year, but I appeared slightly taller than my classmates who were also 166 cm.
Later, I measured my height again at 22 years old during military physical examination, and I was only 168 cm.
Now, at 29 years old, I have not measured my height again.
My mother is 166 cm, and my father is 158 cm, which averages to 162 cm, plus 6 cm gives a standard value of 168 cm.
If the growth plates have already closed, is there no hope for further height increase? Every morning when I wake up, I feel slightly taller.
Are these few centimeters gained after waking up just temporary, or is there a way to make them permanent?

Gao Yi Dian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/03/26

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics

Once the growth plates have closed, height is fixed.
There may be slight variations due to changes in posture, and one might feel a bit taller upon waking up, but this is likely just a perception.
The important thing is to maintain good posture regularly.

Reply Date: 2011/03/26

More Info

When it comes to height growth, understanding the role of growth plates is crucial. Growth plates, or epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue located near the ends of long bones. They are responsible for the lengthening of bones during childhood and adolescence. Once these plates close, which typically occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood, the potential for further height increase is significantly diminished.

In your case, it appears that you experienced a significant growth spurt during your early teenage years, which is quite common. Many individuals experience rapid growth during puberty, often gaining several inches in a short period. However, by the age of 22, it is likely that your growth plates have closed, especially considering that the average age for growth plate closure is around 18 for males, although this can vary slightly based on individual factors such as genetics and nutrition.

Once growth plates are closed, the bones can no longer lengthen, meaning that any further increase in height is highly unlikely. This is a biological process governed by the body's hormonal changes, particularly the influence of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which promote the closure of growth plates. Therefore, if your growth plates have indeed closed, there is no medical intervention that can reopen them or stimulate further growth in height.

Regarding your question about feeling taller in the morning, this phenomenon is quite common. During sleep, the spine decompresses, allowing for a temporary increase in height due to the rehydration of intervertebral discs. However, this increase is not permanent; as you go about your day and gravity compresses your spine, you will return to your normal height by the evening. This fluctuation can be a few centimeters, but it does not indicate actual growth.

As for your genetic potential, it seems you are already at the average height predicted based on your parents' heights. While there are exceptions, most individuals will fall within a certain range of their genetic potential. Factors such as nutrition, physical activity, and overall health during the growing years can influence this, but once growth plates are closed, these factors will not contribute to further height increase.

In conclusion, if your growth plates have closed, it is unlikely that you will experience any significant increase in height. The feeling of being taller in the morning is a temporary effect due to spinal decompression and not an indication of actual growth. If you have concerns about your height or growth, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and physical development.

Similar Q&A

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