Can a 12-year-old girl still grow taller after starting her menstrual period?

Dec 02, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Menstruation refers to a woman's monthly period. Whether a girl can still grow taller after starting her period at age 12 depends on the closure status of the growth plates (epiphyseal lines) and her lifestyle. If the growth plates have not closed and a healthy lifestyle is maintained, she generally can continue to grow taller even if she started menstruating at age 12. However, an unhealthy lifestyle may hinder further growth. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and follow the treatment guidance provided by a qualified physician.

Generally speaking, a menstrual period refers to menstruation. Whether a girl can still grow taller after starting her period at age 12 depends on the status of epiphyseal plate closure and lifestyle factors. If the epiphyseal plates remain open and a healthy lifestyle is maintained, she generally can continue to grow taller. However, if her lifestyle is unhealthy, she might not grow much taller. If any discomfort occurs, please seek medical attention promptly and follow professional medical guidance for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If a girl starts menstruating at age 12 and her epiphyseal plates are not yet closed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support normal activity of the growth plates. Under these circumstances, she may continue to grow taller, as height is influenced by multiple factors including genetics, nutritional status, overall health, and lifestyle habits.

If a girl starts menstruating at age 12 but maintains an unhealthy lifestyle—such as selective eating, picky eating habits, lack of physical activity, or chronic late-night sleeping patterns—this can negatively impact the secretion of growth hormone, potentially limiting further height growth.

It is recommended that girls maintain a healthy lifestyle and good dietary habits in daily life to help promote normal height development.

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