Shrinking.. in height?!

onedayatatime12
onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I hit a growth spurt three years ago. I grew from 5'1"/5'3" (can't remember) to 5'8" (which I *thought* was my current height). I just measured myself for the sake of it today, and now I'm 5'7.5"?! This doesn't seem right. Shouldn't I be growing taller, instead of the other way around?? I'm really frustrated. I did it three times just to see if I was measuring it incorrectly.. and it's the same.

When I went to the doctor's last year they said 5'8".. Maybe I should go again to see if my measurement was wrong or not.

Anyways, weight loss shouldn't affect this right? In fact, I thought my posture should improve as a result, and I'd be a little taller, no? But that's not the case, it seems. :(

Replies

  • HeidiCooksSupper
    HeidiCooksSupper Posts: 3,831 Member
    How old are you? If you are a teen or around that, go check with the doctor to see about scoliosis. If you are an adult of more advanced age, check with the doctor about a bone density test. 1/2" can be measuring error but if not, you want to know the cause.
  • skylark94
    skylark94 Posts: 2,036 Member
    It is very likely a measurement error, but if you are really concerned you should consult your doctor.
  • Pearsquared
    Pearsquared Posts: 1,656 Member
    There's a lot of room for error, especially since our height does naturally shift by a little bit depending on the time of day and your activity level. If you want an accurate measurement, visit the doctor, because that's where you got measured before.
  • SrJoben
    SrJoben Posts: 484 Member
    I've also heard that height fluctuates a little daily. In the evening after being upright most of the day we're a little bit compressed. We're tallest in the morning after we've been lying down and our spine uncompresss.

    Also very easily a posture change, or measuring error.
  • onedayatatime12
    onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
    That's what I was thinking! So I stood with my spine upright, and marked it on the wall with a pencil. Same thing. I'm going to go to the doctor soon and see what's going on. It's so frustrating because one of my favorite features was my height. :(
  • janupshaw
    janupshaw Posts: 205 Member
    I once had a doctors office measure my height with my shoes on. They were big 'ol clodhoppers, too! The mistake could've been on their end. The next time you go in, request another measurement.
  • onedayatatime12
    onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
    I once had a doctors office measure my height with my shoes on. They were big 'ol clodhoppers, too! The mistake could've been on their end. The next time you go in, request another measurement.

    I definitely will, thanks! What saddens me is that, I was standing up straight, back against the wall, with my shoes off (standard policy- just socks on), so there should have been no room for error. *sighs*
  • mjrkearney
    mjrkearney Posts: 408 Member
    Weight loss can absolutely affect your height. Not only can you lose fat from the soles of your feet and the top of your head, weight loss can affect the compression of your spine and your posture. You can wind up several inches shorter or taller depending on how much you lose and from where you lose it.

    Note: See actor Ron Lester. Lost 315 pounds and 2 inches in height.
  • DrMAvDPhD
    DrMAvDPhD Posts: 2,097 Member
    Might be a posture problem. Scoliosis is also a possibility although that tends to worsen DURING a growth spurt and not after, or due to an acute injury. You are too young I'm guessing to shrink from osteoperosis.
  • onedayatatime12
    onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
    Weight loss can absolutely affect your height. Not only can you lose fat from the soles of your feet and the top of your head, weight loss can affect the compression of your spine and your posture. You can wind up several inches shorter or taller depending on how much you lose and from where you lose it.

    Note: See actor Ron Lester. Lost 315 pounds and 2 inches in height.

    But I've only lost 22 pounds and I don't think that's *enough* for such a significant difference?
  • onedayatatime12
    onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
    Might be a posture problem. Scoliosis is also a possibility although that tends to worsen DURING a growth spurt and not after, or due to an acute injury. You are too young I'm guessing to shrink from osteoperosis.

    I've always suffered from poor posture. I mean, my back is naturally slouched over, as I type this. I've tried to improve it but even after a short while of consciously keeping good posture, I assume my natural slouched position and I have back pain. I think the important issue here is my posture, which should improve everything (namely pain, then height, etc.). I'll talk to my doctor and see what she thinks-this posture problem could turn out to be serious as I grow older, if I don't fix it now.
  • mjrkearney
    mjrkearney Posts: 408 Member
    Half an inch can also be attributed to the measurement tool or how you stand :)
  • onedayatatime12
    onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
    Half an inch can also be attributed to the measurement tool or how you stand :)

    I hope so! :P

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