Last updated on September 18, 2020
Question:
Hi,
I’m 12 years old and in the 7th grade. I got my very first pimple in 3rd grade, and in 4th grade, I had acne right under my hairline. When I was about 10, I could produce a white fluid. About 5th grade (11 years old) I had really bad acne. In 5th grade, my leg hair was noticeable, and I had a good amount of pubic hair. Later in the 6th grade, I had light hairs on my body (I come from a somewhat hairy linage), and peach fuzz on my upper lip (as well as some very fine armpit hairs). People say I look 14! My current height is 5 foot 4 inches, and I was obsessing over my height. I used the Tanner Calculator, and it told me I was at stage 4.1! I want to be at least 5 feet and 7 inches! Is there any way I can make certain that I will reach 5′ 7″?
Answer:
I’m at a disadvantage because I cannot see you. I can only take your word for what you send me. I can’t verify if your observations are accurate or not. If I had to hazard a guess, I would think that you are in stage 3. The best way to get an answer to your question is to see your doctor and ask him what stage he thinks you are in and how much further he thinks you might grow. At least he can see you and if needed do a bone age test to get a more accurate result.
You have been developing earlier than average, though within the range of what is considered normal. Early developers tend to be shorter because they start from a lower height when they get their growth spurt. It isn’t always true, but it is the general tendency.
Even if you have already had your growth spurt, a person who reaches stage 4 still has about 1 to 3 inches of growth in them before they reach stage 5 where growth in height stops.
Your height is determined by your genes, which are set when you were conceived. You can do things that might make you not reach your maximum potential height, but you can’t exceed it. Eating a good variety of nutritious foods and exercising will get you to your maximum height, whatever that might be.
Response:
Thanks for your reply. I very much appreciate your advice.