Can a 13-year-old girl still grow taller after her first menstrual period?
Mar 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Within a few years after menarche, due to the combined effects of growth hormone and sex hormones, females still have significant growth potential; however, the growth rate slows明显 compared to childhood. Before the bones are fully closed, there remains potential for further skeletal growth until the epiphyseal lines close completely, at which point height growth essentially stops. In very rare cases, height growth may cease due to genetic factors or long-term lack of physical activity.
Generally speaking, girls can continue to grow taller after their first menstrual period at age 13. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Puberty is a critical period for human growth and development. Girls usually enter puberty around the age of 8 to 13, and the onset of menstruation (menarche) is one of the important indicators of puberty. Although menarche signifies the activation of ovarian function, it does not mean the end of physical growth and development. In the years following menarche, due to the combined effects of growth hormone and sex hormones, females still have significant growth potential, especially before the epiphyseal plates are fully closed, as the bones still have room for growth. Therefore, during this phase, with proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and appropriate physical activity, females who begin menstruation at age 13 still have a great chance of growing taller.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, especially ensuring sufficient intake of calcium and protein, to guarantee adequate sleep in order to promote the secretion of growth hormone. Actively participating in physical activities beneficial to bone growth, such as rope skipping and basketball, while avoiding prolonged weight-bearing and high-intensity training, can help achieve the desired increase in height.
