The growth period typically occurs during a four to five year period that ends with the closing of the growth plates. Many changes occur during this time including sexual development and increasing height. The end of puberty is signaled when pubic hair and testicles or breasts reach adult distribution and proportion. These outward signs reflect the body’s inner processes with fusion of growth plates at this time. Girls usually grow another inch or two from the time of their first menstrual period until age 18. Boys usually continue to grow the same amount from the time their genital growth is complete until age 21.
Once the growth plates are closed, puberty is considered nearly complete and additional growth is minimal. There are no medical treatments to reverse the fusion of growth plates.
Lack of sleep does not in itself cause poor growth. If poor sleep is the result of another circumstance such as malnutrition, growth problems may occur as well.
You mentioned that you previously had a “bone scan” performed, so we assume that growth has concerned you for some time. If you have questions, schedule a visit to talk with your doctor without tests or labs. Ask questions and express your concerns at this visit not only about growth, but also about problems sleeping and about anything else that may be bothering you.
Since we are uncertain about your gender, we cannot tell you how your height corresponds to other individuals your age. Ask your doctor to show you a growth chart and where you are in relationship to others. We can tell you that the average height for females in the US is 5’4” and for males is 5’9”. Based on your report of your bone scan, it does sound like you have finished growing and your growth plates have fused. Assuming you are male, you will be shorter than many other guys. But so have been some of the most successful, talented, best-loved men of all time. Not a problem!
For more information, check out these articles:
Learn About Height
Growing Up as a Boy
Growing Up as a Girl
Posted 4-9-04
