A growth spurt is a period of rapid increase in height and weight during adolescence. This developmental phase marks the transition to physical maturity, driven by a surge in growth-related hormones. For most teenagers, the most significant upward velocity of growth, known as peak height velocity, occurs earlier in puberty. Whether an individual can still experience a noticeable growth spurt at age 17 depends on the biological mechanisms that regulate skeletal maturation.
The Likelihood of Growth at Age 17
While the majority of height gain is completed for most teenagers by age 17, it is certainly possible for significant growth to still occur. For females, the growth period typically concludes earlier, with most reaching their final height between the ages of 13 and 15 years. Males generally experience their growth spurt later and for a longer duration, with growth often continuing until ages 16 to 18.
A true, dramatic growth “spurt” is less likely at this age for the average individual, as the peak growth phase has already passed. However, a substantial number of males continue to gain height into their late teens and early twenties, especially those who began puberty later. This continuation of growth is typically a slower, more gradual process rather than a sudden surge. The variation in timing is determined by an individual’s unique biological clock and genetic predisposition.
The Role of Growth Plates and Hormones
The mechanism that determines final height centers on structures called epiphyseal plates, or growth plates, located at the ends of long bones like the femur and tibia. These plates are made of cartilage that constantly produces new bone tissue, allowing bones to lengthen. An individual continues to gain height as long as these growth plates remain open and active.
The process is orchestrated by a complex balance of hormones. Growth Hormone (GH) stimulates the growth plate cartilage to divide and multiply, directly contributing to bone lengthening. However, sex hormones—estrogen and testosterone—are responsible for signaling the end of growth. As puberty progresses and hormone concentration increases, they cause the cartilage in the growth plates to harden and fuse completely into solid bone, a process called epiphyseal fusion. Once fusion is complete, the bone can no longer increase in length, and height growth stops permanently.
Understanding Delayed Puberty
The most common biological explanation for still experiencing growth at age 17 is Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty (CDGP). CDGP is a normal variation in the timing of development, often referred to as being a “late bloomer.” This condition is frequently hereditary and results in the onset of puberty and the corresponding growth phase being delayed compared to the average timeline.
An individual with CDGP has a “bone age” younger than their chronological age. Since growth plates close based on bone age, delayed maturation means the plates remain open longer. This extended window allows for continued height gain well into the late teens, sometimes into the early twenties for males. Although the pubertal growth spurt is delayed, individuals with CDGP typically achieve a final adult height within their normal genetic potential.
Supporting Growth During Late Adolescence
For an individual who still has open growth plates, certain lifestyle factors can support the maximization of remaining height potential. Adequate sleep is a powerful factor, as the body releases the majority of its Growth Hormone during deep sleep cycles. Prioritizing seven to nine hours of quality sleep nightly aligns with the peak release of this hormone.
Optimized nutrition is necessary to provide the building blocks for skeletal growth. Consuming sufficient protein provides the amino acids needed for tissue repair and development. Bone mineralization requires specific micronutrients, most notably 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily and Vitamin D to facilitate absorption. Maintaining overall physical health ensures that the body’s resources are directed toward growth rather than fighting illness or recovering from deficiencies.