Physical Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
Current as of: December 12, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Susan C. Kim, MD – Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH – Pediatrics
By age 15, most girls have had their first menstrual period and have completed the rapid growth spurt that usually occurs during puberty. After the first period, teenage girls grow 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to 3 in. (7.6 cm) on average. Other early changes of puberty, such as the growth of pubic hair and breasts, have also…
Current as of: December 12, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics
12/12/2018
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
By age 15, most girls have had their first menstrual period and have completed the rapid growth spurt that usually occurs during puberty. After the first period, teenage girls grow1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to3 in. (7.6 cm) on average. Other early changes of puberty, such as the growth of pubic hair and breasts, have also occurred. Teenage girls tend to complete breast development an average of 4 years after breast buds signal the beginning of puberty.
The growth spurt in boys tends to reach its peak sometime during the early to mid-teen years. Although boys lag behind girls in height in early adolescence, they generally end up being taller than girls by age 18. After growth starts, boys grow at a faster rate and for a longer period of time. Also, boys usually continue growth of facial hair, penis and testicles, and pubic hair during the late teen years.
These and other physical changes are highly variable by individual. Some individuals are “early bloomers,” and others grow and develop later.
Your teen’s doctor may use a growth chart to track how your teen is growing.
Current as of: December 12, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Susan C. Kim, MD – Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH – Pediatrics
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Current as of: December 12, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics
12/12/2018
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.