Are Growth Plates Open at 23? Understanding Bone Growth and Development

What Are Growth Plates?

Well, if you're wondering about your height or bone development at 23, you're definitely not alone. I used to be pretty obsessed with the idea of growing taller, especially in my early twenties. It’s a question that pops up a lot – especially when you're hoping that there's still a chance for growth. So, let’s break it down.

Growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, are the areas of cartilage located at the ends of long bones, and they're where bone growth occurs. Over time, as you grow older, these plates close and turn into solid bone. The question we’re tackling here is whether the growth plates are still open at 23 and if there’s any chance for additional growth.

At What Age Do Growth Plates Close?

The General Timeline of Growth Plate Closure

Honestly, the age at which your growth plates close can vary depending on genetics, gender, and other factors. For most people, growth plates start to close during the late teenage years or early twenties.

• Girls: Typically, girls’ growth plates close earlier, usually around 16 to 18 years old.

• Boys: Boys, on the other hand, tend to have growth plates open for a bit longer, often closing between 18 and 21 years old.

I remember chatting with my friend Jake about his height frustrations when he was 22. He was convinced that he could still grow taller. It wasn’t until we checked with his doctor that he found out his growth plates were already closed by the time he was 21. He was a bit bummed, but it was a useful piece of information to have.

Is 23 Too Late for Growth?

So, at 23, are your growth plates still open? Well, the answer is likely no. By this age, most people’s growth plates have already closed, especially if you're a male, and you’re closer to the 23-year mark. However, there can be exceptions, and some people may experience minor growth even into their mid-twenties.

But here’s the kicker: If you’re still in your early twenties, it’s possible that your growth plates might be in the final stages of closing. If you’re concerned about your growth potential, it’s always worth asking a healthcare provider to assess this for you.

How Can You Check if Your Growth Plates Are Still Open?

X-rays: The Only Way to Know for Sure

Honestly, if you're really keen on knowing whether your growth plates are still open, there’s one clear way to find out: an X-ray. An X-ray of the wrist or hand is often the go-to method, as it shows the status of the growth plates. The radiologist can then tell you whether your plates are still open or whether they’ve already closed.

My cousin, Tom, had a medical check-up at 24, and he was curious about his height. After discussing with his doctor, he had an X-ray done. The result? His growth plates were completely closed. He didn’t like the news, but at least it gave him closure (no pun intended!).

Are There Other Signs of Closure?

Another way to gauge the closure of your growth plates is by tracking your height over the past few years. If you've stopped growing taller or noticed no significant change since your late teens, it’s likely your growth plates are closed. But again, the most reliable method is through medical imaging.

Can You Still Grow Taller After Growth Plate Closure?

Factors That Affect Post-Growth Plate Closure Height

Honestly, once your growth plates close, your height is generally fixed. There's not much you can do to make them reopen. However, some things can make you appear taller, even after growth plate closure.

• Posture: Standing up straight, with shoulders back and your spine aligned, can help you appear taller.

• Stretching and Exercise: While they won’t physically make you grow taller, regular stretching and exercises that improve posture can help maximize your height potential.

• Footwear and Clothing: Wearing shoes with a bit of lift or choosing clothes that elongate your frame can make a noticeable difference.

Can You Trick Nature into Giving You More Height?

Are There Any Natural Growth Methods?

Well, let’s talk about something a lot of people are curious about: is there any natural method that could help you grow taller after your growth plates close? Unfortunately, after your bones stop growing, there’s no scientifically proven way to increase your height. Some online articles might suggest stretching exercises, yoga, or certain foods, but the truth is, these have no impact on bone length after the growth plates are closed.

That said, I’ve tried various things over the years, like yoga and maintaining a healthy diet, mostly for my overall well-being. The results? I felt more flexible, had better posture, and looked taller, but there were no magical growth spurts, unfortunately!

Conclusion: At 23, Your Growth Plates Are Likely Closed

Honestly, if you’re 23, it’s likely that your growth plates have closed already. While it’s always fun to wonder about the possibility of additional growth, there comes a time when you have to accept that you’ve reached your adult height. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still improve your appearance by focusing on your posture, fitness, and overall health.

If you're still wondering whether you could get a little taller, I totally get it – who doesn't want that extra inch? But once your growth plates are done growing, it's time to embrace the height you’ve got and focus on other ways to feel your best.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.