Can I still grow taller after getting my period at age 12?
Mar 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
Menstruation, commonly referred to as "da yi ma," typically indicates the onset of a girl's menstrual cycle. When menstruation begins at age 12, a bone examination may reveal that the epiphyseal lines in the long bones have not yet closed, which generally suggests potential for further height growth. If the epiphyseal lines are found to be already closed, it usually indicates that the body has lost its natural potential for growth, and the likelihood of increasing height is typically very low or nonexistent.
"Big Aunt" usually refers to menstruation. Whether a girl can still grow taller after starting her period at age 12 generally depends on whether the growth plates (epiphyseal lines) have closed—it's possible, but not guaranteed.
1. Possible
Generally, height growth is not strongly related to the onset of menstruation. If a girl starts her period at age 12 and an examination reveals that the growth plates in the long bones have not yet closed, this usually indicates there is still potential for further height growth.
2. Not possible
If menstruation begins at age 12 and bone examinations show that the growth plates have already closed, it typically means the body has lost its natural capacity for growth, making further height increase unlikely.
In general, during puberty, appropriately adjusting lifestyle habits—such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, and engaging in regular physical exercise—usually helps promote height growth.
