Tracking a cohort of middle school students as they transition to high school reveals an interesting trend: Initially, girls and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) are generally taller than their peers. However, as boys and those assigned male at birth (AMAB) enter high school, they often begin to catch up in height, leading to a shift in the height dynamics of the group.
As the years progress, a significant observation emerges — long after girls have reached their maximum adult height, many boys can continue to grow substantially. Pediatrician Joshua Coleman, MD notes that males can keep growing until their growth plates close, typically by the age of 18. Notably, in rare instances, some boys might continue to grow slightly into their early 20s.
When do boys reach adult height?
Typically, boys achieve their adult height after completing puberty, which generally occurs between the ages of 16 and 18. However, these age markers are averages and should not be viewed as definitive timelines.
“Puberty begins at a slightly different time for everyone,” clarifies Dr. Coleman. “Some boys experience a rapid growth spurt as soon as puberty starts, while others may have a more gradual growth trajectory. Additionally, some girls may naturally surpass boys in height. This variability is entirely normal.”
It’s not uncommon for certain boys to experience constitutional delayed puberty, which simply means they develop at a later stage compared to their peers. If this situation arises, there is no need for concern.
“Constitutional delayed puberty isn’t indicative of a health issue — it’s merely a reflection of their biological development,” Dr. Coleman explains. “As long as boys show other signs of puberty by age 14, they will likely still achieve their full adult height, albeit perhaps at 18 instead of 16 or 17.”
This underscores the importance of regular visits to your pediatrician.
“During your well-check appointments, we can monitor your child’s growth trajectory,” he adds. “We also assess for any health issues that could potentially interfere with their growth and overall development.”
Can men grow in their 20s?
While some men may experience continued growth beyond age 18, such occurrences are quite rare. When it does happen, it’s generally only an inch or so. “A significant growth spurt is very unlikely once you’ve crossed the 18-year threshold,” advises Dr. Coleman.
A man ceases to grow when his growth plates have fused or closed completely.
“Growth plates are regions of cartilage located near the ends of the bones,” Dr. Coleman elaborates. “These cartilage zones function as a scaffold that is later transformed into bone tissue, which ultimately contributes to bone elongation. Over the years, these growth plates gradually harden into solid bone until no cartilage remains.”
When is continued growth a concern?
If you find yourself continuing to grow past the age of 18, it’s wise to consult with your healthcare provider. “Growing into your late teens or even at age 20 isn’t necessarily indicative of a health issue, but it’s always good to inquire,” recommends Dr. Coleman. “Chances are, you’re simply a late bloomer whose growth plates have yet to fully fuse. However, in rare instances, continued growth could signal a condition like acromegaly, which leads to excessive growth hormone production.”
Furthermore, dismiss any myths suggesting that men can grow past the age of 25; there’s no scientific evidence supporting this belief. “Even very late bloomers complete their puberty journey before reaching their mid-20s,” Dr. Coleman confirms.
Do different parts of your body continue to grow as you age?
Typically, the bones in your feet cease to grow in length around the same time you hit your maximum height. Interestingly, research has not established a direct correlation between foot size and overall height.
“For example, a boy measuring 5 feet 9 inches may have feet that are the same size as another boy who stands over 6 feet tall,” Dr. Coleman explains. “Genetics play a significant role in determining foot size among individuals.”
However, while your feet — along with other body parts — may not continue to grow in length, they can undergo changes in shape and size over time. Cartilage is known to grow with age, which may lead to slight size alterations in features like the nose and ears as one grows older.
Bottom line?
Ultimately, it’s essential to recognize that individuals come in a vast array of heights and sizes. Boys, in particular, often feel societal pressure to attain certain heights, but such growth is beyond their control. Focusing on health should take precedence over height.
“Proper nutrition, quality sleep, and regular check-ups can help ensure a child grows to their fullest potential,” emphasizes Dr. Coleman. “Most importantly, celebrate the unique height you possess — it contributes to what makes you, you.”
**Interview with Dr. Joshua Coleman on Puberty and Growth Patterns in Adolescents**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Coleman. You recently shared insights about how boys and girls experience growth during puberty. Can you explain what the typical growth pattern looks like as children transition to their teenage years?
**Dr. Coleman:** Absolutely! Generally, girls and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) tend to be taller than their peers at the beginning of puberty. However, as boys and those assigned male at birth (AMAB) progress through puberty, they often experience a growth spurt that allows them to catch up in height. This dynamic shift can be surprising for many parents and children alike, but it’s a natural part of development.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! What are the age ranges in which boys usually reach their adult height?
**Dr. Coleman:** Boys typically achieve their adult height after completing puberty, which usually occurs between the ages of 16 and 18. This can vary significantly from one individual to another, as puberty starts at different times for everyone. Some boys may have a rapid growth spurt, while others grow more gradually.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned something interesting about “constitutional delayed puberty.” Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Coleman:** Certainly! Constitutional delayed puberty refers to a situation where boys develop more slowly compared to their peers. It’s important to note that this is not a cause for concern as long as they show other signs of puberty by around age 14. They will likely still achieve their full adult height, albeit a bit later, around the age of 18 instead of 16 or 17.
**Interviewer:** Are there cases in which men can continue to grow into their 20s?
**Dr. Coleman:** Yes, while it’s rare, some men might experience continued growth beyond 18, usually only by an inch or so. However, significant growth spurts become very unlikely after this age. It’s crucial to understand that growth plates, the regions of cartilage that allow for bone elongation, close over time, and when they are fully fused, height growth ceases.
**Interviewer:** When should someone be concerned about growth after 18?
**Dr. Coleman:** If an individual continues to grow well into their late teens or even at age 20, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. In most cases, it may just indicate that they’re a late bloomer. However, continued growth could signal potential issues such as excessive growth hormone production, as seen in conditions like acromegaly, though such instances are very rare.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Coleman, for clarifying these essential points about growth during puberty. What final advice would you give to parents regarding monitoring their children’s growth?
**Dr. Coleman:** Regular check-ups with pediatricians can help monitor growth and identify any potential health concerns early on. These appointments provide an excellent opportunity to discuss any worries about growth and development. Remember, each child’s journey through puberty is unique, and that variability is normal.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights today, Dr. Coleman!
