Can a 17-year-old girl still grow taller?
Mar 04, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Shuai
Introduction
Generally speaking, whether a 17-year-old girl can still grow taller depends on whether her growth plates (epiphyseal lines) have closed. If the growth plates have not yet closed, she may still grow taller; otherwise, further growth is unlikely. In daily life, it's advisable to minimize consumption of substances such as caffeine and sugar, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Engaging in appropriate physical exercise, such as jumping rope or playing basketball, and ensuring adequate calcium intake for the body are also beneficial.
Generally speaking, whether a 17-year-old girl can grow taller depends on whether her growth plates (epiphyseal lines) have closed. If the growth plates have not yet closed, she may still grow taller; otherwise, further height increase is unlikely. The details are as follows:
1. Can grow taller: The growth plate is a layer of cartilage located between the epiphysis and metaphysis of a bone. It gradually shortens with age until it fully closes, forming a tight seam. If X-ray imaging confirms that the growth plates in a 17-year-old girl have not completely closed, she may still increase her height by consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk and shrimp.
2. Cannot grow taller: Infancy and adolescence are two periods of relatively rapid growth and development. At age 17, a girl is nearing the end of puberty, during which growth slows down significantly. If the growth plates have already fully closed, further natural height increase is generally no longer possible. For those who desire to become taller, surgical limb-lengthening procedures at a reputable hospital may be an option.
In daily life, it's best to minimize intake of substances such as caffeine and sugar that interfere with calcium absorption. Engaging in appropriate physical activities like jumping rope or playing basketball, ensuring sufficient calcium intake, and getting regular sun exposure can promote calcium absorption and support healthy bone development.
