Can a 17-year-old girl still grow taller?
Jun 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
In general, whether a 17-year-old girl can still grow taller depends on whether the epiphyseal line has closed—growth may or may not still be possible. It's important to note that if a girl desires further height growth after age 17, she should consult a medical professional for advice and necessary examinations. The epiphyseal line is the cartilage located between the epiphysis and the metaphysis of a bone.
Generally speaking, whether a 17-year-old girl can still grow taller depends on whether her growth plates (epiphyseal lines) have closed. In some cases, further growth may not be possible; in others, it might still occur. The specific details are as follows:
1. Cannot grow taller
The growth plate is a layer of cartilage located between the epiphysis and metaphysis. On X-rays of young children, it appears as a relatively wide translucent band. As age increases, this cartilage gradually shortens. Once the cartilage between the epiphysis and metaphysis has completely ossified, it forms a tight line, indicating that the growth plate has fully closed and bone growth has stopped. If a 17-year-old girl's growth plates have already fully closed, she generally will not grow any taller.
2. Can grow taller
Typically, girls experience their peak height growth between ages 13 and 15, after which growth slows and continues gradually until around age 20, when it stops. If a 17-year-old girl still has open growth plates, maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in appropriate physical activity may allow for additional height increase.
It should be noted that if a girl desires further height growth after age 17, she should consult a medical professional for advice and necessary examinations.
