Can a 16-year-old girl still grow taller when she gets her period?

A 16-year-old girl may still grow taller after her period, but the growth rate will gradually slow down. Height growth mainly depends on the closure of the epiphyseal line. After menarche, the epiphyseal line is usually not completely closed, and there is still a slow growth period of 1-3 years.

The critical period for female height growth is pre-puberty, with menarche marking the entry into late puberty. At this time, the secretion of growth hormone decreases and the sensitivity of the bones to growth hormone decreases, but the spine and long bones of the lower limbs still have growth potential. The status of the epiphyseal line can be clarified through bone age testing. If the epiphyseal line is not closed, with balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and appropriate exercise, it is still possible to achieve a natural height increase of 2-5 cm.

In rare cases, if the epiphyseal line of the bone has closed prematurely before the age of 16, natural growth will basically stop. This situation is mostly related to precocious puberty, genetic metabolic diseases or long-term use of hormone drugs, and the cause needs to be investigated through medical intervention. For girls who have early menarche, such as before the age of 12, the remaining growth space may be more limited.

It is recommended to maintain a daily intake of 500 ml of milk or an equivalent amount of dairy products to supplement high-quality protein and calcium. Perform jumping exercises such as rope skipping and basketball 3-5 times a week, each lasting more than 30 minutes. Ensure 8-10 hours of deep sleep at night to avoid staying up late and affecting growth hormone secretion. If the height growth is less than 2 cm within two years, it is recommended to go to the pediatrics or endocrinology department for bone age assessment.