There has always been a saying among the public: once a girl starts menstruating, it becomes difficult for her to grow taller. Many parents worry about this, as height can affect personal appearance and self-confidence to some extent. So, is it really difficult for girls to grow taller after they start menstruating?

I. The Scientific Connection Between Menarche and Height Growth

Before puberty, the chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plate continuously divide and proliferate, causing the bones to lengthen and our height to increase. However, with the onset of menarche, the levels of sex hormones in the body further increase, especially estrogen. Estrogen promotes the gradual ossification of the epiphyseal plate, transforming it from cartilage to bone tissue. Once the epiphyseal plate is completely ossified and closed, the bones can no longer grow longitudinally, and height is essentially set. Generally, the epiphyseal plate in girls will gradually close within 2 to 3 years after menarche. However, this is not absolute.

Height growth is influenced by a combination of various factors. Genetic factors play a significant role in determining height; if parents are tall, their children are more likely to be tall as well. In addition to genetics, nutrition is also a key factor affecting height. Nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D are crucial for bone growth and development. During puberty, girls need to consume enough protein-rich foods like milk, eggs, lean meat, and fish, as well as calcium-rich foods like dairy products and soy products.

Exercise is also essential. Appropriate exercise can stimulate bone growth and increase bone density. Activities like skipping rope, basketball, and swimming can effectively promote the growth of leg bones, aiding in height increase.

Sleep also plays an indispensable role in height growth. Growth hormone is secreted most vigorously during nighttime sleep, so ensuring sufficient sleep time and good sleep quality is beneficial for the secretion of growth hormone, thereby promoting height growth.

(Analysis from both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives)
1. Modern Medical Perspective

• ​Growth Spurt: Entering the pubertal growth acceleration period 1-2 years before menarche, with an annual increase of 6-12cm (WHO data).
• ​Mechanism of Epiphyseal Plate Closure: Increased estrogen → slowed proliferation of chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plate → accelerated ossification, with over 80% closure rate 2-3 years after menarche.
• ​Key Data: A girl with a height of 150cm at menarche will have a final adult height of approximately 158-162cm (genetic factors account for 70%).

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory Analysis

• ​Kidney Governs Bone and Marrow: The “Su Wen · Shang Gu Tian Zhen Lun” states, “At the age of 14, a girl’s Tian Gui arrives… the Ren Mai is unblocked, the Chong Mai is abundant, and menstruation comes on time,” indicating that kidney essence deficiency leads to malnourished bones.
• ​Spleen and Stomach as the Foundation of Acquired Constitution: Li Dongyuan’s “Spleen and Stomach Theory” emphasizes that “internal injury to the spleen and stomach gives rise to all diseases,” and insufficient production of qi and blood affects bone development.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has unique insights into human growth and development.

In TCM theory, human growth and development are closely related to the kidney and spleen-stomach organs. The kidney is considered the “foundation of congenital constitution” and governs the storage of essence. This “essence” is the basic substance that constitutes and sustains human life activities, playing a crucial role in growth and development, reproductive functions, etc. If the kidney essence is abundant, the bones are nourished, and growth and development proceed normally. If the kidney essence is deficient, it will affect bone growth, leading to slow or even stagnant height growth.

After a girl starts menstruating, the discharge of menstrual blood consumes a certain amount of qi, blood, and kidney essence. If not properly cared for, kidney deficiency can easily occur. At this time, the kidney’s function of nourishing the bones weakens, further affecting height growth.

The spleen and stomach are called the “foundation of acquired constitution” and govern the transformation and transportation of food. The spleen and stomach can convert the food we ingest into nutrients and transport them to various organs and tissues throughout the body, providing sufficient energy and nourishment for growth and development. If the spleen and stomach function is weak, the digestion and absorption of food will be affected, unable to provide enough nutrients for the body, thus affecting height growth. After a girl starts menstruating, her body is in a special physiological stage, and the function of the spleen and stomach is relatively weak. If dietary adjustments are not paid attention to, and excessive consumption of cold, greasy, spicy, and other irritating foods occurs, it will further damage the function of the spleen and stomach.

​II. Three Key Elements for Height Growth After Menarche

(With a combined TCM and Western medicine conditioning plan)
1. Seizing the “Window Period” Before Epiphyseal Plate Closure

• ​Testing Method: Take an X-ray of the left wrist (bone age test), recheck every six months after menarche.
• ​TCM Conditioning: From the perspective of TCM, to continue growing taller after menarche, the key is to nourish the kidney and strengthen the spleen and stomach.
  • ​Nourishing Kidney and Replenishing Essence: Black sesame and walnut paste (30g black sesame + 20g walnuts + 50g glutinous rice) to be taken every morning.
  • ​Strengthening Spleen and Benefiting Stomach: Si Shen Tang (15g Poria + 20g Chinese yam + 10g lotus seeds + 10g gorgon fruit) stewed with pork ribs. Pay attention to regular eating habits, eat at fixed times and quantities, and avoid overeating.
  • It is also possible to take some kidney-nourishing Chinese medicine formulas under the guidance of a doctor, such as Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan.
  • Appropriate exercises like Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin can also be performed to promote the function of the spleen and stomach.
  • Additionally, TCM emphasizes that girls should keep warm after menarche and avoid cold. Cold pathogens can easily invade the body, causing stagnation of qi and blood, affecting the normal discharge of menstruation and the normal development of the body.
  • Maintain a cheerful mood and avoid excessive emotional fluctuations, as negative emotions can also affect the function of the organs, thereby affecting height growth.

2. Scientific Exercise Prescription

• ​Recommended Activities: Skipping rope (10 minutes daily, stimulating the Zusanli acupoint), swimming (3 times a week, stretching the spine).
• ​Contraindications: Avoid weightlifting, barbell exercises, etc. (which can compress the epiphyseal ends).

3. Nutrition and Sleep Management

• ​Key Nutrients: Nutrient Daily Requirement Best Food Sources Calcium 1200mg Cheese, tofu, broccoli Vitamin D 800IU Salmon, egg yolk, sunlight exposure Protein 50g Eggs, beef, quinoa
• ​Sleep Duration: Go to bed before 10 PM, ensuring 8-9 hours of deep sleep (growth hormone secretion peaks between 11 PM and 2 AM).

​III. TCM Differential Conditioning Plan

1. Kidney Essence Deficiency Type

• ​Tongue Characteristics: Pale red tongue, depression at the root of the tongue, deep and thin pulse at the chi position.
• ​Medication Plan:
  • ​Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: Twice daily, one pill each time (half dose for children under 12).
  • ​Dietary Therapy: Mulberry and goji berry porridge (15g mulberries + 10g goji berries + 50g japonica rice).

2. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Type

• ​Tongue Characteristics: Tongue with teeth marks on the edges, white and greasy coating, fullness in the epigastrium.
• ​Medication Plan:
  • ​Shen Ling Bai Zhu San: Twice daily, 6g each time, taken with water.
  • ​External Treatment: Moxibustion on the Zusanli acupoint (3 inches below the knee), 10 minutes daily.

3. Liver Qi Stagnation Type

• ​Tongue Characteristics: Red edges of the tongue, thin yellow coating, string-taut and thin pulse.
• ​Medication Plan:
  • ​Xiao Yao Wan: Twice daily, 8 pills each time.
  • ​Substitute Tea: 3g rose flowers + 2g tangerine peel + 2g green calyx plum, steeped in boiling water.

​IV. Five Common Misconceptions Parents Must Know

1. ​Misconception One: “Once menstruation starts, you definitely won’t grow taller” → Truth: 15-20% of girls can still grow 5-8cm.
2. ​Misconception Two: “Taking lots of calcium supplements will make you taller” → Risk: Excessive calcium intake can cause constipation and kidney stones.
3. ​Misconception Three: “Taking health supplements instead of eating nutritious food” → Harm: Hormones can disrupt the endocrine system.
4. ​Misconception Four: “Staying up late to study doesn’t affect development” → Data: Lack of sleep reduces growth hormone secretion by 30%.
5. ​Misconception Five: “Boys can grow taller, girls don’t need to worry” → Reality: The average height increase for girls after menarche is only 60% of that for boys.