Is There Still Growth Potential for My 11-Year-Old Son?

Is there still room for growth?

Hello Doctor, my son is currently 11 years and 8 months old.
Last month, I took him to see a doctor for a bone age assessment and provided height comparisons from the past few years.
The doctor mentioned that his growth curve is maintaining around the 90th percentile, which is considered normal.
Although his bone age is advanced by 1.5 years, it has not yet closed, and there is a possibility he may grow taller than his father.
The doctor also noted that his testicles have begun to develop, indicating that his current stage of development is normal.
I asked the doctor if my child's voice has deepened, indicating voice change, and the doctor listened for a few moments and said it was not.
Yesterday, my child mentioned that he has started to grow a little pubic hair.
Given his age, is this considered early development? Is there still room for him to grow taller? I found some information suggesting that voice change and the development of pubic hair may limit growth potential, and I suddenly feel there is a significant gap between this and what the doctor previously explained.
Therefore, I would like to ask for the doctor's opinion and advice.
Thank you.

whita, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/09

Dr. Lin Yishou reply Pediatrics

Hello, Whita's mom.
The generally accepted age for the onset of puberty (when secondary sexual characteristics develop, including testicular and pubic hair development) for boys is between 9 to 14 years old.
Your son's developmental age (11 years and 8 months) is considered normal.
Generally speaking, if a boy enters puberty with a normal height and still has room for growth, he should not end up shorter than average as an adult.
If you still have concerns, it is advisable to consult a pediatric endocrinologist for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2021/08/09

More Info

At 11 years and 8 months, your son is at a stage where he is beginning to show signs of puberty, which is a normal part of development for boys. The fact that he has started to develop secondary sexual characteristics, such as pubic hair and a deeper voice, indicates that he is entering puberty. However, it is important to note that the onset of puberty does not necessarily mean that his growth potential is limited.

In general, boys experience a growth spurt during puberty, typically starting between the ages of 9 and 14. The growth plates in the bones, which are responsible for height increase, usually remain open during this time, allowing for further growth. The fact that your son's bone age is advanced by 1.5 years but still has not closed suggests that he still has growth potential. The growth plates will close at different ages for different individuals, and this is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and overall health.

Regarding your concerns about whether he is developing too quickly, it is essential to understand that the timing of puberty can vary significantly among children. Some boys may start developing earlier than others, and this does not necessarily indicate a problem. The key is to monitor his growth and development over time. If he is maintaining a growth curve in the 90th percentile, this is a positive sign that he is growing appropriately for his age.

As for the relationship between the development of secondary sexual characteristics and growth potential, it is true that once a boy has completed puberty, his growth will generally slow down or stop altogether. However, the onset of puberty does not mean that he will stop growing immediately. Many boys continue to grow for several years after the initial signs of puberty appear.
To support your son's growth, ensure he is receiving a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Regular physical activity is also crucial, as it promotes healthy growth and development. Adequate sleep is equally important, as growth hormone is primarily released during sleep.

If you have ongoing concerns about your son's growth or development, it may be beneficial to consult with a pediatric endocrinologist. They can provide more specific insights based on his growth patterns, bone age, and overall health. Regular check-ups will help monitor his growth and ensure he is on track to reach his full potential height.

In summary, while your son is showing signs of puberty, which can sometimes lead to concerns about growth potential, it is important to remember that he is still within the normal range for his age. With proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep, he likely still has room to grow taller. Keep an open line of communication with his healthcare provider to address any concerns and to ensure he is developing healthily.

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