If we generally only grow 1-2 inches after our first period, then how did I go from 5'2 to 5'7?

[Vesuvius87]

Several family members I haven't seen for years stop by for a visit this week. During a conversation about growth with my cousin, she got curious about my height and asked. Long ago when I had my first period at the age of 11, I remembered being 2 inches shorter than her, slightly shorter than my mother too. I was 5'2 at the time. She remained 5'4 while I grew to 5'7.

So if a girl only grows 1-2 (in a course of 1-3 years) after her first period and then stops, this means I would've been 5'3 or 5'4. So how did I go from 5'2 to 5'7? Was my case rare? My mother thinks it's a mystery (she gives credit to the good nutrition) because in her case and other woman in the family, they either stopped or barely grew after their periods.

[ArrowheadSW]

Good thing you grew up with good nutrition. Regardless of whether or not that was the reason for your higher than normal growth. 👍

[Nikki1989]

Although the rule “only 1 to 2 inches after the first period” is a general guideline based on averages, it is not a strict law that applies to all individuals.

[Vesuvius87]

There are exceptions to the rule after all. Once in a while I wonder if it was genes (maybe a female ancestor had the same thing happened) or a case of good nutrition. I'll always wonder what caused that extra growth.

[Jennz6]

I only grew one inch taller after my first period.

[Vesuvius87]

yeah that's what I've generally heard and seen. Even though I grew at a slower pace, I have no idea how I added those extra inches. From 5'2 to 5'7 is a lot of difference. All I know is my legs (at times it used to wake me up too; a throbbing sensation) were hurting me until the beginning of my Senior year of HS.

[Anonymous]

General rules about such things do not apply without exception.

[Vesuvius87]

I'll always wonder if it was indeed the good nutrition as my mother always claims.