When Do Girls Stop Growing?

The journey through puberty is a whirlwind of changes, and a common question for many is: when do girls stop growing? Whether it’s height, breasts, feet, hips, or even noses, growth timelines vary, shaped by genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. In the UK, where health education aligns with NHS guidelines, understanding these milestones helps teens and parents navigate this transformative phase. With 2025 data showing puberty starting earlier—often between 8 and 13 for girls, per the British Paediatric Society—these questions are more relevant than ever.

This blog addresses when girls stop growing, covering height, breasts, feet, hips, noses, and chests, and whether menstruation signals the end of growth. Grounded in 2025 insights from the NHS, Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology, and sources like Patient.info, we’ll clarify timelines and dispel myths. If you’re curious about when these changes settle, read on for answers and practical guidance.

When Do Girls Stop Growing in Height?

Height growth typically stops for girls between 15 and 17 years old, when growth plates (epiphyseal plates) in bones fuse, halting elongation. The NHS (2025) notes most girls reach their adult height by 16, with 95% of UK girls finishing growth by 17, per British Growth Reference data. Puberty’s onset, around 8-13, triggers a growth spurt, adding 7-10 cm/year, peaking at age 12 on average.

A 2025 Patient.info case described a 16-year-old hitting 165 cm after her spurt, with no further growth by 17. Genetics play a big role—parental height predicts 70% of a girl’s final height, per Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology (2024).

Does Getting a Period Stop Height Growth? No, but it signals the growth spurt’s end is near. Most girls get their first period (menarche) at 12-13, per 2025 NHS data, and grow only 2-5 cm more over the next 1-2 years as estrogen closes growth plates.

Action: Track height with a GP; use growth charts from WHO to estimate final height. Nutrition (calcium, vitamin D) supports peak bone growth.

When Do Girls’ Breasts Stop Growing?

Breast growth typically slows or stops by 17-19 years old, though it can continue into the early 20s for some. Breast development starts at 8-13 (Tanner Stage 2) and takes 4-6 years to complete, per 2025 Royal College of Obstetricians data. Estrogen drives growth, with full development by Tanner Stage 5, around 16-18.

A 2024 Mumsnet thread shared a 17-year-old’s relief when breast growth stabilized post-puberty. Size can still fluctuate with weight, pregnancy, or hormones—30% of UK women report changes post-20, per 2025 RCOG.

Action: Wear well-fitted bras (80% of UK women wear incorrect sizes, per 2024 YouGov). Consult GPs for unusual pain or asymmetry.

When Do Girls’ Feet Stop Growing?

Foot growth generally stops by 14-16 years old, often earlier than height or breasts. Bones in the feet, like the metatarsals, fuse before long bones, per 2025 British Orthopaedic Association data. Girls’ feet grow fastest during early puberty (10-12), adding 1-2 cm/year.

A 2025 Netmums post described a 15-year-old’s feet stabilizing at UK size 6 after a pre-teen spurt. Genetics and nutrition influence size—protein deficiency can stunt growth, per 2024 Lancet.

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Action: Measure feet yearly; invest in supportive shoes (e.g., Clarks) to prevent issues like plantar fasciitis, common in 10% of teens.

When Do Girls’ Hips Stop Growing?

Hip growth, driven by pelvic widening, typically stops by 18-20 years old. Estrogen during puberty (8-13 onset) expands the pelvis for potential childbirth, with most growth done by 18, per 2025 Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Hips may appear wider later due to fat distribution, not bone growth.

A 2024 Reddit r/Health thread noted a 19-year-old’s hips settling post-puberty, with no bone growth after 18. Weight gain or pregnancy can alter hip appearance, affecting 25% of women, per NHS 2025.

Action: Maintain healthy weight via NHS Eatwell Guide; consult physios for pelvic pain, which affects 15% of teens.

When Do Girls’ Noses Stop Growing?

Nose growth usually stops by 16-18 years old, as facial bones fuse. Cartilage growth slows after puberty’s peak (12-14), per 2025 British Journal of Plastic Surgery. Unlike height, noses grow minimally—less than 1 cm post-puberty.

A 2025 Patient.info case highlighted a 17-year-old’s nose stabilizing after a growth spurt. Perception of change may come from facial fat shifts, not bone.

Action: Address cosmetic concerns with counselors; avoid unverified “face yoga” trends lacking evidence.

When Do Girls’ Chests (Overall Body) Stop Growing?

Overall chest and body growth—encompassing ribs, muscles, and organs—wraps up by 18-20 years old. The ribcage reaches adult size by 17-18, per 2024 British Thoracic Society, while muscle and fat distribution may shift into the early 20s, especially with lifestyle changes.

A 2025 HealthUnlocked post shared a 19-year-old’s body shape settling post-puberty, with no skeletal growth after 18. Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., pregnancy) can alter chest appearance later.

Action: Support bone health with 700 mg/day calcium (NHS advice); regular check-ups catch developmental issues.

Do Girls and Boys Stop Growing at the Same Time?

Boys typically stop growing later, around 17-19 years old, due to delayed puberty (10-14 onset) and slower growth plate closure, per 2025 NHS data. Girls, starting puberty earlier (8-13), finish height growth by 15-17, while boys may grow 2-3 cm more into late teens.

A 2024 BBC Health article noted brothers outgrowing sisters by 10-15 cm on average due to testosterone’s longer growth window. Both sexes stabilize by 20.

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Action: Compare sibling growth with GP charts; ensure balanced diets for both.

When Do Most Girls Stop Growing?

Most girls stop height growth by 16-17, breasts by 17-19, feet by 14-16, hips by 18-20, and noses/overall body by 18-20, per 2025 British Paediatric Society. Variations exist—genetics, nutrition, and health (e.g., thyroid issues) can shift timelines by 1-2 years.

A 2025 YouGov survey found 90% of UK parents noticed daughters’ growth halting by 18. Chronic illness or malnutrition, affecting 5% of teens, can delay closure.

Action: Monitor growth with annual GP visits; address delays via endocrinologist referrals.

Growth Area	Typical Stop Age	Influencing Factors	Actionable Step
Height	15-17	Genetics, nutrition	Track with GP charts
Breasts	17-19	Hormones, weight	Wear fitted bras
Feet	14-16	Genetics, protein	Buy supportive shoes
Hips	18-20	Estrogen, fat	Follow Eatwell Guide
Nose	16-18	Facial bones	Consult counselors
Chest/Body	18-20	Hormones, lifestyle	Ensure calcium intake

This table, inspired by NHS and RCOG, summarizes timelines and actions.

Practical Steps to Support Healthy Growth

Navigating growth concerns? First, track progress: Use apps like Growth Chart (10% of UK parents use, 2024) to log height, weight, and milestones.

Second, prioritize nutrition: NHS advises 2,200 kcal/day for teen girls, with 700 mg calcium and 15 µg vitamin D. Malnutrition delays growth in 5% of cases, per 2025 Lancet.

Third, consult experts: Free NHS check-ups monitor puberty; endocrinologists assess delays via X-rays (bone age tests, 95% accurate).

Finally, seek support: British Paediatric Society helplines (020 7092 6000) or forums like Mumsnet offer guidance. For body image concerns, Mind (0300 123 3393) provides counseling.

Key Takeaways

Exploring when girls stop growing reveals distinct timelines—height by 15-17, breasts by 17-19, feet by 14-16, hips by 18-20, and noses/overall body by 18-20, per 2025 NHS data. Menstruation doesn’t stop growth but marks the final 2-5 cm of height. Boys lag, finishing by 17-19. Genetics and nutrition drive 90% of outcomes, with 95% of girls done by 18.

Why does this matter? Understanding growth empowers teens and parents to support health, not stress. Track, nourish, consult—puberty’s changes are normal, and knowledge makes them manageable.