Question
A 12-year-old girl has started her period, will she still grow taller? She is currently about 1.53 meters tall, with her father at 1.67 meters and her mother at 1.48 meters. Are there any ways to help her grow taller?
Answer
The onset of menstruation is typically a sign of a girl entering puberty, with the majority of girls starting their periods between the ages of 12 and 14. During the first period, the ovaries have not yet begun to ovulate, producing only estrogen which causes the uterine lining to thicken. Due to the low level of estrogen, the uterine lining will temporarily stop growing and then shed after some time, forming menstruation. In this case, the menstrual cycle and flow may be irregular. As the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis matures, menstruation will gradually become regular. Under these circumstances, there is still a chance for the girl’s height to increase, but the specific methods need to be determined based on her growth status and genetic factors. It is recommended to consult a professional pediatrician or nutritionist to obtain appropriate advice and assistance.