Last updated on January 31, 2024
Question:
Hello,
I turned 17 a month ago. Based on the Tanner Stage test, I’m 3.9/4.0 so I’m either about to enter Tanner 4 or just entered it. I am barely starting to grow chin hair.
Based on this, when do you think I started puberty? 13, 14 or 15? Because I don’t remember having pubic hair at 13, I’m not sure if I had pubic hair at 14, but I’m sure I had it at 15.
Another question is, when could I stop growing? Could I grow till 19?
Answer:
Stages 2, 3, and 4 each last about two years. Therefore, I would expect that you started stage 2 around age 13. However, pubic hair develops during stage 2, usually about halfway through the stage, so it would not show up until age 14 for you.
Stage 4 will last about two years, meaning that you will continue to grow in height until you are 19. However, the growth tappers off. There is more growth near the start of stage 4 and very little growth toward the end of stage 4. You will still have developmental changes after reaching stage 5 (such as the growth of facial hair and body hair and a maturing in the way you think).
Question:
Thank you for responding.
I have one more question. What is the normal age on average for Tanner Stage 4.0? I’ve done research and saw 14.0, 14.5, 15 and 15.5. What is the age on average the normal boy enters Tanner 4.0?
Answer:
On average Stage 4 starts around age 15 but can start as early as 12 or as late as 18.