Why Is My Brother Not Growing Taller or Changing Voice?

Not growing taller and still not having a voice change in middle school?

My mom took my younger brother to the hospital to see a doctor, and the doctor estimated that my brother's maximum height could only reach 156 cm (and that would require a lot of effort through exercise).
Currently, my brother is in the first year of junior high and has not yet reached 150 cm in height.
Although my mom is under 160 cm and my dad is under 170 cm, both my sister and I (I am a girl) are between 162 and 165 cm tall.
So why are we taller than my brother? Most of our relatives on both sides have average heights as well.
Additionally, my brother hasn't experienced voice changes or developed body hair, and he doesn't seem to have started puberty at all.
I would like to ask if my brother really won't grow taller as the doctor suggested?

Zhen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/18

Dr. Lin Yishou reply Pediatrics

Hello, thank you for your message.
If a boy has not yet experienced voice change (unless the change is subtle), theoretically, he has not reached the halfway point of puberty, and therefore, there should still be room for growth.
However, the accurate assessment of growth potential should be combined with bone age and a physical examination.
If convenient, you may also visit Dr.
Lin's clinic for a second confirmation.
Dr.
Lin Yi-shou's clinic schedule can be found at http://www.ishoulin.com/article1-17.html.

Reply Date: 2016/08/18

More Info

It sounds like your brother is experiencing some delays in his physical development, particularly regarding height and secondary sexual characteristics such as voice change and body hair growth. This can understandably be a source of concern for both him and your family.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that puberty is a highly individual process, and the timing can vary significantly from person to person. In boys, puberty typically begins between the ages of 9 and 14, with most boys experiencing noticeable changes by the age of 14 or 15. However, some boys may start later and still catch up in terms of growth and development.
Your brother's current height of under 150 cm at the transition from middle school to high school suggests that he may not have entered puberty yet, or he may be in the early stages of it. The fact that he has not experienced voice changes or the growth of body hair indicates that he may still be awaiting the onset of these changes.
The doctor’s prediction that he might reach a maximum height of 156 cm is based on various factors, including parental heights and growth patterns observed in his early development. However, it’s crucial to consider that growth potential can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, nutrition, and overall health.
If your brother has not yet started puberty, he may still have time to grow taller. Growth spurts typically occur during puberty, and boys can continue to grow in height until their late teens. The growth plates in the bones close after puberty, which means that once he starts developing, he may experience a significant increase in height over a relatively short period.
In addition to physical growth, hormonal changes play a significant role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics. If your brother has not yet experienced these changes, it may be beneficial for him to see a healthcare provider who specializes in adolescent medicine or endocrinology. They can assess his growth patterns, check hormone levels, and determine if there are any underlying health issues that may be affecting his development.

It's also worth noting that emotional and psychological support is essential during this time. Many adolescents experience feelings of inadequacy or anxiety regarding their development, especially when comparing themselves to peers. Encouraging your brother to engage in activities that build his confidence and self-esteem can be beneficial.
In summary, while your brother may currently be experiencing delays in growth and development, it is not uncommon for boys to have varied timelines for puberty. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide clarity and reassurance, and they can offer guidance on what to expect moving forward. It's important to approach this situation with patience and understanding, as each individual's journey through adolescence is unique.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Height Differences: Can I Still Grow Taller at 23?

Hello doctor, I am a 23-year-old male, 165 cm tall, while my brother is 25 years old and 178 cm tall. Why is there such a significant height difference between us? Am I just growing more slowly, or is there another reason? I’ve noticed that many younger brothers are taller than t...

Dr. You Dianqi reply Orthopedics
Hello: There are individual differences that exist among organisms, even among those with the same parents. The situation you mentioned is indeed occasionally encountered in clinical practice. Regarding your questions about whether one can grow taller or grow at a slower rate, I ...

Understanding Sibling Dynamics: Is My Brother Struggling with Mental Health?

My parents did not manage their emotions well during my upbringing, but it was mostly limited to verbal expressions without any tendencies toward violence. My brother mentioned that when I was one year old and he was three, I would wake up crying at night, which disturbed our fat...

Dr. Wang Zhenbang reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your description, here are a few points to consider: 1. The diagnostic range for mental disorders is quite broad, and it requires evaluation from multiple perspectives to determine if diagnostic criteria are met. One important criterion is whether the individual&#...

Do Boys Continue to Grow Taller After Puberty?

Do males continue to grow taller after experiencing puberty? I am 18 years old and still a bit short, so I would like to inquire about this issue.

Dr. Wu Fangcan reply Family Medicine
Boys can still have the opportunity to grow taller after their voice changes. It is advisable to consult a metabolic specialist for evaluation and assessment. Thank you.

Understanding Voice Changes: A Teen's Concerns About Development

I am a high school sophomore and I am nearly 18 years old, but it seems I have never gone through voice change, and my voice still sounds like that of an elementary school student. This has made me feel a bit self-conscious, but my family is quite conservative, and my parents see...

Dr. Song Zhixian reply Urology
Bilateral inguinal hernia surgery is generally safe and without concerns. In very rare cases in young children, accidental damage to the vas deferens can lead to male infertility. The testes themselves cannot be damaged in a way that causes male hormone deficiency. However, if th...