The Secrets & threats of Height Growth, around Menarche in Girls

Peak height velocity (PHV) in girls and boys is typically seen at age 11.5 years for girls and 13.5 years for boys. It is a well-known fact that the height of an individual is influenced most (60-80%) by genetics and the rest 40-20% by other environmental factors-nutrition, playing games etc. Growth around the first period can be a wild ride filled with surprises among girls. During puberty, girls go through a lot of changes, and one of the most noticeable changes is height growth. Whether they grow tall or stay petite, health and confidence matter the most. After all, life isn’t measured in centimetres but in memories, experiences, and the joy of being unique for each girl! An average Indian girl can expect to grow about 6-8 centimetres (cms) after they start periods, but some might grow less, while some others could grow even more than 8 cms. That’s why our culture says every girl is unique and embracing each girl’s individual journey is most important. Genetics is a significant player in the height game. If parents are tall, their daughters might shoot up. A balanced diet rich in Proteins, vitamins &minerals do support healthy growth. Physical activity is critical it keeps girls fit and promotes bone health. Growth spurts usually happen in bursts! A girl might grow several centimetres in just a few months & then stop for a while. Some girls notice a sudden stretch right after their first period, while others may hop on the growth train a bit later. It’s essential to recognize that not growing as much as peers or seeing friends shoot up, affects emotionally, as girls feel about themselves & lead to comparisons & self-doubt and may be a concern for the parents too! Engaging in team sports, art, academics build confidence and show that there's more to personal growth than just inches.