Can Growth Occur Post-Puberty? Seeking Insights
Hello everyone! I'm a 22-year-old woman and recently I took a height measurement while visiting my parents. They remarked that I appeared taller, which prompted me to check. To my surprise, I found that I now measure 5 feet 5 inches. Six months ago, I recorded a height of approximately 5 feet 3 inches, trending close to 5 feet 4 inches, and I’ve consistently measured around 5 feet 3 inches since I turned 14. This unexpected change has left me puzzled, and I’m keen to understand how it might have happened. My usual method of measuring involves standing against a wall without shoes, ensuring the measuring tape is flush against the wall, with someone else assisting to confirm my height. Furthermore, I have always been documented at 5 feet 3 inches during my visits to the doctor, which have been infrequent in the past half-year. I've come across various discussions online where individuals mention experiencing growth during their 20s after puberty; however, some users contradict this by pointing out that medical professionals assert this typically doesn't occur. Additionally, I found some articles indicating that, in rare cases, growth plates may not fully close post-puberty. Could this be the explanation behind my recent measurement? I would greatly appreciate any insights or information on this topic. Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 4:02:03 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be surprised by an unexpected change in height, especially at 22 years of age. Generally, most individuals complete their height growth by the end of puberty, which typically occurs in late adolescence, around ages 16 to 18 for women. However, some rare cases exist where slight growth may still occur into the early twenties.
Explanation:
During puberty, long bones grow due to the presence of growth plates (epiphyseal plates). By the end of puberty, these growth plates generally close, stopping further growth in height. However, there are rare instances where individuals may experience slight height changes after this period, possibly due to:
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Measurement Variability: Height can fluctuate due to posture, hydration levels, and even time of day. It's important to ensure consistent measuring conditions.
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Changes in Posture: Improved posture or exercises that strengthen the core can make you appear taller.
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Late Closure of Growth Plates: In some cases, growth plates may remain open longer than usual, allowing for additional growth.
Given your initial measurements and the consistency you reported, it’s likely that measurement variance could account for the change you noticed.
Next Steps:
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Double-Check Measurements: Continue to measure your height consistently over the next few weeks under the same conditions (time of day, posture, and method).
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Keep a Record: Make a simple log of your height measurements, noting the conditions (like whether you are well-hydrated or rested).
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Watch for Other Changes: Check for any other growth in your body proportions, such as changes in shoe size or leg length, which might provide additional context.
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Consult a Specialist If Concerned: If you observe a continuing increase in height or have concerns about bone growth or any related symptoms, consider discussing this with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.
Remember, slight changes could be normal, and it’s good that you’re tracking these changes. If you have any further concerns or questions, feel free to ask!
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