I am 18 years old. When do growth plates close in males?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 18 years old, and my height is five feet and seven inches, and my weight is 141 pounds. Are my growth plates open or closed, and if my growth plates are closed, then how can I increase my height?

And how long ago did my growth plates close?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

At 18 years of age, most young men are nearing the end of their natural growth period. The growth plates (epiphyseal plates) in the long bones gradually close once puberty is complete, under the influence of hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

For many boys, growth plates close between 16 and 18 years; however, in some, they may remain open until around 20 to 21 years. The only way to know for sure is by getting an X-ray of the hand and wrist (bone age study), which shows whether the plates are still open.

If your growth plates are already closed, then further natural increase in height is not possible, since bones cannot lengthen once fused. If they are still slightly open, there may be some limited growth left.

At your current height of five feet and seven inches and weight of 141 pounds, you are within a healthy range. From here, focusing on posture, core and back strength, adequate nutrition, and sleep can help you carry yourself taller and healthier. There is no safe medical way to significantly increase height after growth plate closure.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.