Yao Defen

Early Life

Yao Defen was born on July 15, 1972, in Shucheng County, Anhui Province, China. She was the third of four children in her family. Yao's extraordinary height was noticeable from a young age, and by the age of 11, she was already over 6 feet tall. Her unusual growth was later attributed to a tumor on her pituitary gland, which caused an overproduction of growth hormone, leading to a condition known as gigantism.

Medical Condition

Yao Defen's gigantism was caused by a pituitary adenoma, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. This condition resulted in her reaching a height of 7 feet 8 inches (234 cm), making her one of the tallest women in the world. The excessive growth hormone secretion led to various health complications, including heart problems, osteoporosis, and mobility issues.

Recognition

In 2010, Yao Defen was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest living woman. Her remarkable height brought her international attention, and she became a subject of interest for medical professionals and the media alike.

Life and Challenges

Yao Defen faced numerous challenges due to her height. She experienced difficulty in finding clothes and shoes that fit, and her mobility was severely limited. Despite these challenges, she remained a positive and resilient individual. Her family struggled financially, and Yao's condition required significant medical attention, which was often difficult to afford.

Later Years and Death

In her later years, Yao Defen's health continued to decline due to complications from her condition. She passed away on November 13, 2012, at the age of 40, in her hometown of Shucheng County. Her life and struggles brought attention to the medical condition of gigantism and the challenges faced by those who live with it.