Concerns About Growth at 16
As I approach my 16th birthday in July, I've been reflecting on my growth. Standing at 5 feet tall, I haven't seen any change in height for nearly three years. I began developing pubic hair around two and a half years ago, and while my voice has deepened, it still doesn’t sound fully adult. Additionally, I’ve had armpit hair for about the same duration. This has led to concerns regarding my growth potential. My father is 5'8'', while my mother is 5 feet tall. On my mother’s side, her brother stands at 6 feet, and her sister is 4'10''. My grandfather on her side is 5'4'', and my dad's side has relatives who are also around 5'4''. Notably, no male in my family has ever been shorter than 5'4'' as an adult. I would appreciate any insights or advice on this situation.
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 11:10:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're concerned about your growth as you approach 16 years old. Growth can vary significantly from person to person, especially during puberty, which typically spans several years and often involves growth spurts. Your current height of 5 feet and the lack of recent height changes in the past three years can feel worrisome, but let’s examine a few key points.
Explanation
-
Growth Patterns: It's common for growth rates to slow down significantly or even plateau during certain phases of puberty. Many have growth spurts between ages 12 and 16, but some may experience this phase later.
-
Genetics and Height: Your family history shows varying heights, which suggests that genetics play an important role in your expected adult height. Given that you are still developing and have potential for growth, it’s possible you have not reached your maximum height yet.
-
Development Signs: The development of pubic hair and deepening voice indicates that your body is going through hormonal changes typical in puberty. It’s worth noting that everyone progresses through these changes at their own pace.
Next Steps
-
Track Your Growth: Keep an eye on your height over the next few months. Measure yourself regularly, as you might have a growth spurt that you're not currently aware of.
-
Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins, which are essential for growth. Staying hydrated is also critical. Good nutrition supports your body’s growth and developmental needs.
-
Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity. Exercises like swimming or basketball can promote growth by improving overall health and posture.
-
Monitor Symptoms: If you notice any unusual changes, like sudden weight gain or loss, or if you're experiencing any physical discomfort, it might be helpful to take notes on these symptoms.
-
Consider Professional Guidance: If your height remains unchanged or you have additional concerns about your growth, you might want to discuss these with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your growth patterns and check for potential hormonal imbalances or underlying health matters, should any exist.
It's normal to feel a bit anxious about growth and development, but remember that everyone's journey is different. You're not alone in this, and changes may still occur as you continue through your teenage years. If you have more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out again.
Related Questions
Understanding Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Greetings, I’m F33, weighing 120 lbs and standing 5'4" tall. Currently, I'm on a regimen that includes 25 mcg of Levothyroxine along with a multivitamin. I seek your guidance regarding my health situation. Last year, I received a diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism and was put on 25 mcg of Levo. About six months ago, I successfully lowered my TSH levels to 2.3. However, during my routine check-up two weeks ago, I discovered that my TSH has risen again to 3.3. Additionally, my TPO peroxidase antibody levels registered at 81 IU/mL, which is a notable increase from the normal range we observed last year. The past few months have been quite overwhelming in terms of work commitments, and I suspect there may have been several instances where I consumed tea or breakfast right after taking my Levothyroxine, without allowing sufficient time in between. Could this have had an effect on my thyroid levels? Furthermore, do you think my doctor might consider adjusting my dosage based on these recent results?
Do I Have a Brain Hemorrhage?
As a 14-year-old male, I experienced an incident nearly four months ago when a classmate struck me on the top of my head. The impact wasn’t severe, and initially, I didn’t experience any unusual symptoms. However, soon after, I began to feel some pain in that area. This discomfort persisted for a few days, and then I woke up one morning with a fever accompanied by an intensified headache. Over the following week, the pain became quite severe, making it difficult to focus or feel comfortable. After some time, the pain seemed to diminish, but I noticed about two weeks later that pressure on my forehead and the sides of my head elicited pain. This sensation has remained up until now, though the discomfort has lessened, and it only hurts when I press on my forehead. Just a short while ago, I experienced a nosebleed, which has raised my concern since I’ve heard that this could indicate a more serious issue like a brain bleed. Until now, my only noticeable symptom has been the headache. About three months ago, I vomited once and occasionally feel a bit dizzy, but I attribute that dizziness to my irregular sleep patterns. I haven't shared any of this with my parents yet, and I am feeling quite anxious about it. Could this indicate that I have a brain hemorrhage?
Could This Indicate Gallbladder Hypomotility? (30 Years Old, 65 kg, 5’5", No Medications)
Experiencing stools that are not only sticky and greasy but also emit a strong, unpleasant odor. The stools tend to float and exhibit a light brown to yellow hue, with occasional appearances of a tar-like or mucous texture. There are instances of undigested food particles, a burning sensation around the anal area, and stools adhering to skin or toilet surfaces. Mild bloating and a feeling of pressure in the lower left area of the abdomen are also present. Stool consistency is variable, with better days alternating with worse ones. Diagnostic Tests Conducted: - Pancreatic elastase: results within normal range - Calprotectin: results within normal range - Two ultrasounds: results normal - A HIDA scan has yet to be performed. Personal Trials: Tried Cholestyramine, but my condition deteriorated, leading to increased diarrhea, darker, oily stools, and yellowish mucus, alongside frequent bowel movements. Currently experimenting with ox bile to assess its impact on my symptoms. The deterioration after taking Cholestyramine may exclude Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM) and suggests potential issues with bile secretion or flow. Has anyone else faced similar symptoms and found relief using ox bile? Appreciate any input!
The Role of Collagen in Recovering from Lumbar Disc Herniation
I previously underwent surgery for a herniated disc at the L4/L5 level a decade ago and enjoyed a pain-free back until recently. Unfortunately, I have been experiencing symptoms reminiscent of my prior condition, such as sciatica, which leads me to believe I might be facing another issue with my lumbar discs. I've scheduled an MRI for next week to assess the situation. I’m curious if there’s any research or evidence that suggests collagen supplementation can aid in recovery or help reabsorb the affected material. I understand that the outer layer, or annulus, primarily consists of type 1 collagen, while the nucleus pulposus (NP) mainly comprises type 2 collagen. I want to avoid undergoing another surgery if possible, so I’m exploring the potential benefits of supplementation. Typically, the standard path following a scan would involve physiotherapy and exercise, potentially leading to injections and, if necessary, surgery.
Should I Go Home or Stay Put?
Greetings, everyone! I'm a 25-year-old woman currently enjoying some time off, but I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. I'm wondering if I should consider heading back home to see a doctor, as I'm lacking access to healthcare where I am. I could really use your input on whether I should just rest it out or if my situation warrants a more serious approach. Typically, I would think this is tonsillitis since I've dealt with it multiple times in the past. However, the odd thing is that it's not particularly painful, and the discomfort is localized to just one side. The area around my tonsil appears red and swollen, and I've been confined to bed for two days. Additionally, I've started to notice some white patches in that area. While I’m not running a fever now, I did have one during the night—into the early morning hours of today—alongside feelings of fatigue and general malaise. Fortunately, I do not have a cough. There is some swelling in my gums, and the moderate pain is more concentrated in my lower jaw, rather than the throat itself, which feels more like an itch. A few days prior to these symptoms, I noticed a painful lump on my lip resembling either a pimple or an abscess, which has pus in it. This has persisted since Sunday, leading me to wonder if it could be connected to what’s happening in my throat. I've been taking **Nimesil**, which provides relief for a few hours. I don't usually take any regular medications and generally enjoy good health. I would really appreciate any insight into what this might be, or if I should take these symptoms more seriously. Thank you in advance for your advice!