OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

How Tall Can I Expect to Grow?

8/20/2025, 6:22:07 PMMale25-34

Greetings, fellow Reddit users! I'm a 16-year-old male, standing at 174 cm. My parents' heights are 5 feet and 5 feet 6 inches. I'm curious to know how much taller I might grow in the future. I'm unsure if this subreddit is the best place to ask, but I'd greatly appreciate any insights from your experiences. It's a topic that's been causing me quite a bit of stress.

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

8/20/2025, 6:23:21 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be curious about your growth potential, especially during your teenage years when so many changes are happening. Based on your current age, height, and family background, let’s explore what might lie ahead for you regarding growth.

Main Points:

You’re likely nearing your full adult height, especially since typical male growth tends to slow down significantly around age 16-18. Genetic factors from your parents will play a significant role in determining your final height.

Explanation:

Growth plates in your bones (which help you grow taller) typically close after puberty. For most males, this happens in the late teenage years. Your height potential also has a genetic component, often influenced by the heights of your parents. Based on the average heights of your parents (5 feet and 5 feet 6 inches), it's reasonable to estimate that you might not grow much taller, but every individual is unique.

Next Steps:

  1. Observe Your Growth: Keep track of your height over the next year. If you are still growing, it may be slight.
  2. Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients, like calcium and Vitamin D, which support bone health. Get regular exercise and ensure adequate sleep, which is essential for growth.
  3. Manage Stress: If worries about your height are causing stress, consider discussing these feelings with a trusted friend or family member. Remember, striving for health rather than focusing solely on height can bring more satisfaction.

It’s normal to have concerns about growth during this stage of life. Try to embrace your unique journey and remember that self-worth isn't solely measured by height. If you have more questions about health or wellness, feel free to ask!

Related Questions

Discovery of Lymph Node During Mammogram

A 29-year-old woman recently underwent a breast ultrasound, which revealed what medical professionals suspect is a lymph node. The current medical advice suggests monitoring the situation by scheduling a follow-up scan in six months, followed by a biopsy if necessary. To gain further insight, she opted for a self-funded mammogram for additional evaluation. What are your opinions on this situation?

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
5 minutes ago

Accidental Rupture of Ranula (Oral Cyst) — Seeking Home Remedies Without Insurance

As a 22-year-old male, I've been dealing with a troublesome pus-filled cyst, comparable in size to a peanut M&M, located under my tongue, known as a ranula. Unfortunately, I inadvertently ruptured it while it was impossible for my tongue to resist touching the area. This unfortunate incident has made it quite challenging for me to speak and eat properly. This isn't the first time I've inadvertently caused it to burst, and I'm feeling quite anxious about the situation. While I might seek medical assistance in the future, it won't be possible for at least a week. Therefore, I’m looking for effective home remedies to manage this issue until then. Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
25 minutes ago

Noticed a Significant Dark Spot on My Eye

This morning, I discovered a prominent dark spot on the surface of my eye. At 41 years old, this sudden change has left me rather concerned. I'm unsure about the cause and what steps I should take next regarding my eye health. Anyone with similar experiences or advice?

WellnessFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
45 minutes ago

Seeking Clarity on Lab Findings

A 25-year-old woman diagnosed with Down syndrome presents a complex medical history. Standing at 150 cm and weighing 80 kg, she is currently on a regimen of thyroxine (100 mg), trazodone, and vitamin D to aid her sleep. While her endocrinological tests have shown normal results, the lumbar puncture results, although labeled as fine by her doctors, have raised concerns. There seems to be a discrepancy, as the patient has been dealing with a chronic spinal cord infection for the past three years, which led to a noticeable decrease in strength in her left limbs. Although she has shown improvement through physiotherapy, her mobility has been significantly affected. Additionally, four years prior, she experienced a fall that necessitated surgical reconstruction of her tibia and patella, after which her ability to walk independently has notably diminished. Alongside these physical challenges, she has faced mental health issues including depression, self-harming behaviors, reduced communication, and various behavioral problems. Recently, fluctuations in her body temperature have also been observed, prompting us to purchase a thermometer for better monitoring. It is important to note that before these health issues emerged, she was an active and joyful child. I believe the lab results may indicate some underlying inflammatory process, yet I am unsure about the specifics and how to assist her effectively. We reside in South Africa and are seeking insights into these lab results for further guidance.

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Need Help Identifying These Creatures

At 18 years old, I find myself in a somewhat awkward situation, as I believe I may have seen some unusual creatures emerge after an extensive cleaning experience. Normally, I pride myself on maintaining kitchen hygiene and have never encountered anything concerning in my stool, which makes me uncertain about labeling them as worms. Nonetheless, it's always wise to err on the side of caution, right? 🤷‍♂️

ExerciseAgingPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago