From the Guidelines
Male height typically stops increasing between the ages of 18 and 25, with most growth plates closing by age 20 to 22, although this can vary significantly among individuals. The data provided in the study 1 does not directly address the question of when male height stops increasing, as it focuses on hemoglobin levels in males by age and race/ethnicity. However, based on general medical knowledge, growth plates (epiphyseal plates) at the ends of long bones close gradually during puberty due to hormonal changes, particularly increased testosterone.
Factors Influencing Growth
- Genetics play a significant role in determining height and the age at which growth stops.
- Nutrition and overall health during childhood and adolescence are crucial for reaching one's genetic height potential.
- The timing of puberty also influences when growth stops, with early developers often stopping sooner than late bloomers.
Medical Implications
- After growth plates fuse, no medical interventions can increase height.
- Proper nutrition and health during childhood and adolescence are vital for optimal growth and development.
- While the study 1 does not provide direct evidence on the cessation of height increase, it highlights the importance of monitoring health parameters, such as hemoglobin levels, across different age groups and ethnicities, which can indirectly relate to growth and development patterns.
Given the variability in individual development and the lack of direct evidence from the provided study 1, the recommendation is based on general medical principles and the understanding of human growth patterns.
From the Research
Male Height Increase
- Male height typically stops increasing around the age of 20 years, however, the provided studies do not give a specific age at which male height stops increasing 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Factors Affecting Height
- The magnitude of height catch up during puberty is a significant determinant of adult height in boys with constitutional delay of growth and puberty 2.
- Boys with untreated delayed puberty reach a final height appropriate for their target height 3.
- Delayed puberty is the absence of testicular growth to at least 4 mL in volume or 2.5 cm in length in boys by 14 years of age 4.
- Prolonged delay of puberty (6 or more years) in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is associated with a modest increase (approximately 5 cm) of adult height 6.
Predictive Factors
- Initial height, growth velocity, and segmental body proportion are predictive factors in determining final height in boys with constitutional delay of growth and puberty 5.