What can I do to increase my height at 19 years old?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 19 years old, and my current height is 4 feet 11 inches. My mother is around 5 feet 2 inches, and my father is around 5 feet 5 inches tall. I started my period at the age of 13 or 14, and it has been regular. I feel like I have stopped growing over the past few years, and I am worried that my height has completely stopped increasing.

I am a bit overweight, but otherwise I do not have any major health issues. I would like to know if there is still any chance for me to grow taller at this age?

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concerns, and I want to reassure you with a clear explanation.

Based on your history, you have most likely completed your linear growth and have reached your near-final adult height. Girls usually complete most of their height growth within two to three years after starting their periods. Since you began menstruating around the age of thirteen to fourteen, your major growth phase likely finished around fifteen to sixteen.

By the age of seventeen, most girls’ growth plates are closed. Considering your parents’ heights (your mother is 5'2" and your father is 5'5"), your expected adult height would naturally fall within the shorter range, and a height of 4'11" is within the possible genetic expectation.

At your current age, there is only a very small chance of further growth, possibly 0.39 to 0.78 inches at most, and that would only be possible if the growth plates are not fully fused. If the growth plates are already closed, no medicine, exercise, stretching, or diet can increase height. The only way to confirm this is through a bone age X-ray of the left wrist, which can show whether the growth plates have fused.

Being slightly overweight does not stop height growth at this stage, but maintaining a healthy weight can improve posture, overall health, and appearance.

The most probable conclusion is that you have already reached your final adult height. However, if you would like definite confirmation, you can consult a doctor and request a bone age X-ray. Most importantly, please remember that your height does not define your presence, intelligence, or attractiveness. Confidence, personality, and self-assurance play a much greater role in how you carry yourself and how others see you.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.