Do females typically cease linear growth 2 years after the onset of menarche (menstruation)?

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From the Research

Girls typically stop growing taller about 2 years after they begin menstruation, as estrogen causes growth plates in the bones to close, with most girls experiencing their fastest growth spurt before their first period and gaining only 1-2 more inches in height before growth stops completely. This pattern is influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes, genetics, and nutrition. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology 1, calcium and vitamin D status play a crucial role in bone mineral accrual during adolescence, and altered calcium homeostasis can impact optimal bone acquisition. However, the provided evidence does not directly address the question of when girls stop growing taller after menstruation.

The most relevant information comes from general knowledge of puberty and growth patterns, which suggests that girls typically experience a growth spurt before their first period and then slow down significantly after menstruation begins. Individual variations exist, with some girls continuing to grow for up to 3 years after menarche, while others might stop growing within a year. The average age of menarche in the United States is around 12-13 years, meaning most girls reach their final adult height by age 14-15.

Some studies, such as the one published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation 2, focus on the relationship between vitamin D and growth hormone treatment in prepubertal children with growth hormone deficiency, but do not provide direct evidence on the timing of growth cessation in girls after menstruation. Other studies, like the one in Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases 3, examine gender differences in barriers to physical activity among adolescents, which is not directly related to the question at hand.

In summary, while the provided evidence does not directly answer the question, general knowledge of puberty and growth patterns suggests that girls typically stop growing taller about 2 years after they begin menstruation, with individual variations and factors such as nutrition and hormonal changes influencing this process.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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