Topic Resources
During adolescence (usually considered age 10 to the late teens
or early 20s), boys and girls reach adult height and weight and undergo
sexual maturation (puberty). The timing and speed with which these changes occur vary and are affected by both heredity and environment.
(See also Health Supervision of the Well Child.)
Physical Growth
For height and weight charts for children 2 years of age and older, see growth charts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There is a growth spurt during adolescence. The growth spurt in
boys occurs during mid-adolescence between the ages of 12 years and 17
years and usually begins a year after the testes start enlarging. Boys
grow about 4 inches (about 10 centimeters) during their year of maximum
growth. The growth spurt in girls occurs in early adolescence between
the ages of 9½ years and 13½ years. Girls grow about 3½ inches (about 9
centimeters) during their year of maximum growth. In general, boys
become heavier and taller than girls. By age 18, boys have about 1 inch
(about 2½ centimeters) of growth remaining and girls have slightly less.
If the timing of growth is not typical, particularly in a boy
whose physical development is delayed or a girl whose development occurs
early, emotional stress is likely. Most children who grow slowly
eventually attain normal height (see Constitutional Delay of Puberty). However, adolescents whose growth is delayed or abnormal (see Growth Hormone Deficiency) should be evaluated by doctors to rule out diseases and other physical causes and be given reassurance.
Sexual Maturation (Puberty)
Sexual maturation or puberty begins at different ages depending
on genetic and environmental factors. Sexual maturity begins earlier
today than a century ago, probably because of improvements in nutrition,
general health, and living conditions. For example, the average age
that girls begin menstruating has decreased by about 3 years over the
past 100 years. However, whenever sexual maturation begins, it typically
occurs in the same order.
In boys, sexual changes begin with enlargement of the scrotum and testes, followed by lengthening of the penis (see Puberty in Boys).
Next, pubic hair appears. Armpit and facial hair appears about 2 years
after pubic hair. The growth spurt usually begins a year after the
testes start enlarging. Boys in the United States typically have their
first ejaculation between 12½ years and 14 years of age, about 1 year
after penis growth accelerates. Young adolescent boys often have slight
enlargement of the breasts (gynecomastia) that usually resolves within several years.
In most girls, breast budding is the first sign of sexual maturation, followed closely by the start of the growth spurt (see Puberty in Girls). Shortly after that, pubic and armpit hair appears. Menstruation typically begins about 2 years after breast development starts and when growth in height slows after reaching its peak velocity. In the United States, most girls start their period at 12 or 13 years of age, but there is a wide range.
In both boys and girls, pubic and/or axillary hair may appear first. This appearance may be a normal variation but should be discussed with a doctor.
Milestones in Sexual Development
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If sexual maturation begins too early (see Early Puberty) or is very delayed (see Delayed Puberty), doctors typically evaluate children for possible hormonal disorders.
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