Last updated on July 1, 2024
Question:
I have a few questions about myself. I am 14 years old. I took the Tanner Stage Test, which said I was at 3.8. I also went to the doctor back in February for my physical, and he said I was in stage 3 of puberty. I am 5’7, and I am wondering if I can reach 5’10. My mom is 5’2, and my dad is 5’10.
I am also concerned because I feel like an awkward teenager. I’m really skinny, and I had terrible acne, so I took Accutane. I have some acne scars now. When I was a kid, I was just slim; now, I’m super skinny. I’ve been going to the gym, and I’ve been able to put on a little bit of muscle, but when I reach stage 4, will I get big muscles?
Also, my voice isn’t that deep. Will this get deeper soon?
I started growing a little bit of hair on my chin very recently, but I thought this came in stage 4.
I know this is kind of a lot, but I hope you are doing well.
Answer:
You are still in stage 3, which means you are still growing rapidly, though all of the growth is not only in height. Even after reaching stage 4, you will grow an additional 1 to 3 inches in height as your growth slows down. My guess is that 5’9 is likely, and 5’10 is possible.
Since you didn’t mention your current weight and I can’t see you, it is difficult to comment on your weight. I know you see yourself as super skinny, but that sort of assessment can be subjective. Typically, muscle mass is put on starting in stage 4, but keep in mind that some people are naturally slim. I have friends who never bulked up, no matter what they did or ate. It wasn’t that they were weak. They had plenty of strength. Their bodies just didn’t form large muscles.
Voice changes also typically happen in stage 4, though it can happen earlier for some boys.
Chin hair is an indication that you are reaching the border of stage 4, which you already know.
What it comes down to is to be patient. Eat healthy and continue exercising.
Question:
I am 120 pounds. I have been going to the gym. I have been able to put on a little bit of muscle.
My brothers call me a toothpick all the time, so maybe that’s why I think I’m so skinny.
Answer:
“Body Mass Index” (or BMI) is a measurement of how skinny or fat you are. “Normal” is to have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. You have a BMI of 18.8. You are on the low end of the normal range, but you are not underweight. Keep doing what you are doing. You are doing well so far.