Can a 10-year-old girl still grow taller after her first menstrual period?

Menstruation, commonly referred to as a period, is part of a woman's physiological cycle. Whether a girl will continue to grow in height after starting her period at age 10 depends on the closure status of her growth plates (epiphyseal lines). If the growth plates have not yet closed after menstruation begins, further height growth is usually still possible. However, if the growth plates have already closed, significant growth is generally no longer expected. Later development may also be influenced by nutrition, sleep patterns, and physical activity.

Menarche (the first menstrual period) is a sign of puberty and indicates an ongoing stage of physical development. If a bone age assessment after the onset of menstruation shows that the growth plates remain open, this suggests there is still potential for height increase. However, the exact amount of growth varies from person to person. Under normal circumstances, maintaining a balanced diet, regular sleep schedule, and engaging consistently in activities such as jumping or rope skipping can support optimal height development. Conversely, poor daily self-care may lead to suboptimal growth.

Once the growth plates have closed, height development essentially stops—regardless of whether menstruation has started—and further increases in height are unlikely. In such cases, no amount of postnatal exercise or nutritional improvement can stimulate additional height growth.

It is recommended to first visit a hospital to assess bone age, and then evaluate growth potential accordingly. If precocious puberty is diagnosed and there is a risk of premature growth plate closure, timely treatment with growth hormone injections under medical supervision may be necessary. After menstruation begins, proper menstrual hygiene should also be maintained to reduce the risk of infection.