There has been a popular saying that once a girl has her period, it is difficult for her to grow taller. Many parents will be anxious, after all, height to a certain extent will affect personal image and self-confidence. So, is it really difficult for girls to grow taller after menstruation?

I. Scientific correlation between menarche and height growth

Before puberty, the cartilage cells in the epiphysis continue to divide and proliferate, allowing the bones to lengthen and our height to grow. However, with the onset of menstruation, the level of sex hormones in the body rises further, especially estrogen. Estrogen encourages the gradual ossification of the epiphyses, which is the transformation from cartilage tissue to bone. When the epiphysis completely ossifies and closes, the bones can no longer grow vertically and the height is basically fixed. Generally speaking, the epiphyses of girls will gradually close 2 to 3 years after the first menstruation.However, this is not absolute.

Height growth is also influenced by a combination of factors. Genetic factors play an important role in determining height, and if the parents are taller, there is a greater likelihood that the child will also have a taller height. In addition to genetics, nutrition is also a key factor in height. Nutrients such as protein, calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone growth and development. During puberty, girls need to consume enough protein-rich foods such as milk, eggs, lean meat and fish, as well as calcium-rich foods such as dairy products and soy products.

Exercise is equally indispensable. Proper exercise can stimulate bone growth and enhance bone density. Exercises such as jumping rope, basketball and swimming can effectively promote the growth of bones in the lower limbs and help you grow taller.

And sleep plays an integral role in height growth.Growth hormone is secreted most vigorously during sleep at night. Ensuring sufficient sleep time and good sleep quality is conducive to the secretion of growth hormone, thus promoting height growth.

(Analyzing from both Chinese and Western perspectives)
1. Modern medical perspective

• ​growth spurt: Pubertal growth acceleration occurs 1-2 years before the first menstrual period, with an average annual growth of 6-12 cm (WHO data).
• ​Mechanism of epiphyseal closure: Elevated estrogen → slowed proliferation of epiphyseal chondrocytes → accelerated ossification, with closure rates exceeding 80% 2-3 years after menarche.
• ​Key data: Those who are 150 cm tall at menarche end up with an adult height of about 158-162 cm (genetics account for 70%).

2. Theoretical analysis of Chinese medicine

• ​The kidneys rule the bones and produce marrow.: "Su Wen - on the ancient theory of heavenly truth" cloud "women two seven and heavenly deca to ...... Ren pulse through, Taichong pulse is full, menstruation to the time down", the kidney essence deficiency is the bone loss of nourishment.
• ​The spleen and stomach are the foundation of the human bodyLi Dongyuan's "Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach" emphasizes that "internal injuries to the spleen and stomach will lead to all kinds of diseases", and that insufficient qi and blood biochemistry will affect bone development.

​(a person's) age	​Epiphyseal closure rate	​Focus of Chinese Medicine Conditioning
12 years old	30%	tonify the kidneys and fill out the essence
14 years old.	60%	Strengthening the spleen and stomach + tonifying the kidneys
16 years old	85%	Maintains qi and blood + prevents premature aging

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has unique insights into the growth and development of the human body.

In Chinese medicine theory, the growth and development of the human body is closely related to the kidneys, spleen and stomach. The kidneys are regarded as the "foundation of the innate nature" and are the main reservoir of essence. Here, "essence" is the basic substance that constitutes the human body and maintains its life activities, and plays a vital role in the growth and development of the human body and its reproductive functions.If kidney essence is sufficient, bones will be nourished and grow and develop normally. If kidney essence is deficient, it will affect the growth of bones, resulting in slow or even stagnant height growth.

After a girl's menstruation, due to the discharge of menstrual blood, she will consume a certain amount of qi, blood and kidney essence. If you do not pay attention to nourishment, you are prone to kidney deficiency. At this time, the kidney's function of nourishing the bones is weakened, which in turn affects the growth of height.

The spleen and stomach are known as the "foundation of the later day" and are the main transporters. The spleen and stomach are able to convert the food we consume into nutrients and transport them to all organs and tissues of the body, providing sufficient energy and nutrients for the body's growth and development. If the spleen and stomach function is weak, the digestion and absorption of food will be affected and will not be able to provide enough nutrients for the body, thus affecting the growth of height. After a girl's menstruation, because the body is in a special physiological stage, the spleen and stomach function is also relatively weak.If you don't pay attention to dietary regulation, excessive consumption of cold, greasy, spicy and other stimulating foods will further damage the function of the spleen and stomach.

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​Second, 3 key elements to grow taller after the first menstrual period

(with a combined Chinese and Western medicine program)
1. Seizing the "window" before epiphyseal closure

• ​Detection Methods: Take an x-ray of the left wrist (bone age test) and review it every six months after menarche.
• ​Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the key to continuing to grow taller after a girl's menstrual period is to replenish the kidneys and strengthen the spleen and stomach.
  • ​tonify the kidneys and fill out the essence: Black Sesame Walnut Paste (30g of black sesame + 20g of walnut kernel + 50g of glutinous rice) to be taken daily in the morning.
  • ​strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach: Stewed pork chop soup with Four Gods Soup (Poria 15g + Yam 20g + Lotus Seed 10g + Gorgon fruit 10g). Pay attention to the dietary pattern, eat regularly and quantitatively, avoid overeating.
  • You can also take some herbal formulas to tonify the kidneys, such as Jin Gui Ren Qi Pills, under the guidance of your doctor.
  • You can also do some appropriate exercises, such as taijiquan and Ba Duan Jin, which help promote the transportation and digestion functions of the spleen and stomach.
  • At the same time, Chinese medicine also emphasizes that girls should pay attention to keeping warm after menstruation to avoid getting cold.Cold easily attacks the body, leading to stagnation of qi and blood, which affects the normal discharge of menstruation and the normal development of the body.
  • Keep your mood relaxed and avoid excessive mood swings, as bad moods can also affect the function of internal organs, which in turn affects height growth.

2. Scientific exercise prescription

• ​Recommended Projects: Jumping rope (10 minutes a day to stimulate the foot-sanli points), swimming (3 times a week to stretch the spine).
• ​Taboo Tips: Avoid weight-bearing exercises such as lifting weights and barbells (compression of epiphyses).

3. Nutrition and sleep management

• ​Key Nutrients:.original proposal​daily requirement​Best Food SourcesCalcium 1200mg cheese, tofu, kale Vitamin D 800IU salmon, egg yolk, sunshine Protein 50g eggs, beef, quinoa
• ​sleep duration: Go to bed by 22:00 and ensure 8-9 hours of deep sleep (growth hormone production peaks at 23:00-2:00).

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​III. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnostic and Conditioning Program

1. Kidney essence deficiency

• ​Tongue Characteristics: Pale red tongue, concave base of tongue, dull ulnar pulse.
• ​medication regimen::
  • ​Six-flavored Di Huang Pill (Chinese medicine): 1 pill twice daily (halved for under 12 years).
  • ​therapeutic formula: Mulberry and wolfberry porridge (15g mulberry + 10g wolfberry + 50g round-grained rice).

2. Weak spleen and stomach type

• ​Tongue Characteristics: Tongue edged with teeth marks, white and greasy moss, distention and fullness in the stomach and abdomen.
• ​medication regimen::
  • ​poria mushroom and white artichoke powder: Take 6g twice daily.
  • ​external treatment (e.g. medicine): Moxibustion at the foot Sanli point (3 inches below the knee) for 10 minutes daily.

3. Liver depression and Qi stagnation type

• ​Tongue Characteristics: Red tongue edges, thin yellow moss, thin stringy pulse.
• ​medication regimen::
  • ​free medicine (Chinese medicine): 8 pills twice daily.
  • ​drink as a tea substitute3g of rosehips + 2g of tangerine peel + 2g of green calyx plums in boiling water.

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​Fourth, parents must know the 5 major misunderstandings

1. ​Myth 1: "Menstruation must not grow taller" → Truth: There are still 15-20% girls who can grow another 5-8cm.
2. ​Myth 2: "You can grow taller if you take calcium supplements" → Risk: Excessive calcium intake leads to constipation and stones.
3. ​Myth 3: "Eating health products instead of dietary supplements" → harm: hormone disruption of the endocrine.
4. ​Myth 4: "Staying up late to study does not affect development" → Data: Sleep deprivation reduces growth hormone secretion by 30%.
5. ​Myth 5: "Boys can grow taller, girls don't have to worry about it" → reality: the average height gain of girls after menarche is only 60% of that of boys.