Puberty triggers several changes in a young person’s body. Growth spurts are one of these changes. While it’s not unusual for a child to grow an inch or more in a short time, parents need to recognize when these growth spurts may indicate a hormonal imbalance.
In this article, Dr. Penny and the Pediatric Endocrinologists at Orlando, FL’s The Endocrine Co. is going to discuss whether or not you can have multiple growth spurts during puberty and if these rapid periods of growth should be addressed by a health professional. In most cases, the body is just going through natural growth processes. However, several factors, including diet, lifestyle, and medications, can result in hormonal imbalances that could affect the frequency and extent of a child’s growth spurts.
If you’re wondering if your child needs medical support due to their surprising growth spurts, reach out to The Endocrine Co. today.
The Science of Growth Spurts
Growth spurts are periods of accelerated growth in height that occur during puberty. These spurts are fueled by the release of growth hormone (GH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), released from the liver as a response to GH. These hormones stimulate the growth plates in the long bones of the body, causing them to lengthen. This process is known as longitudinal bone growth.
What Triggers of Growth Spurts?
Just look at any given school picture taken during middle school and high school, and you’ll see that kids grow at different times. Some hit puberty as early as 10 or 11, while some kids have to wait a few years. Several factors contribute to the timing and occurrence of growth spurts and may lead to multiple growth spurts during puberty.
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are the primary triggers for growth spurts. As puberty begins, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release more growth hormones, leading to increases in GH and IGF-1 levels.
- Genetic Factors
Genetics plays a significant role in determining when and how intensely an individual experiences growth spurts. If a person’s parents or close relatives experienced late growth spurts, they likely will too.
- Nutrition and Health
Adequate nutrition is essential for proper growth. A balanced diet that provides essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, is crucial for maximizing growth potential. Chronic illnesses or malnutrition can hinder growth.
- Sleep and Rest
Growth hormone secretion is typically highest during deep sleep, so getting enough rest is important for a successful growth spurt. Adolescents should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
- Physical Activity
Regular physical activity and exercise can help maintain overall health and potentially optimize growth. However, excessive or intense exercise without proper nutrition and rest can hinder growth.
How Many Growth Spurts Can Occur During Puberty?
Puberty typically spans several years and involves multiple stages of development. While most people experience a single significant growth spurt during early to mid-puberty, it is possible to have multiple growth spurts, albeit less pronounced, throughout the entire puberty period.
The first and most noticeable growth spurt occurs between ages 11 and 15 in girls and between 13 and 17 in boys. During this period, adolescents may experience a height increase of 2 to 4 inches per year.
After this initial spurt, growth may slow down but continue at a more gradual pace. A smaller subset of individuals may experience smaller growth spurts during late puberty, which can extend until age 18 or 19 in girls and 20 or 21 in boys. These group is frequently referred as “late bloomers”.
It’s important to note that the timing and intensity of growth spurts can vary widely among individuals. Genetics and hormonal factors largely dictate the extent of growth during puberty, and there is no fixed number of growth spurts that everyone will experience.
Can You Have a Growth Spurt After Puberty?
For most people, the answer is no. While you may experience multiple growth spurts during puberty, the body will eventually stop getting taller. Once someone has completed puberty, their growth plates fuse, and they reach their final adult height. This process, known as epiphyseal closure, typically occurs between ages 16 and 25, with the exact timing varying among individuals.
After epiphyseal closure, it is no longer possible to experience growth spurts in terms of height. The bones in the body have reached their maximum length, and longitudinal bone growth ceases. Any further changes in height beyond this point are usually minimal and related to factors like posture and skeletal health rather than actual growth spurts.
Worrisome Growth Issues in Teens Related to Hormone Problems
While most adolescents go through puberty without significant growth problems, there are some worrisome growth issues related to hormone problems that may require medical attention.
- Precocious Puberty
Precocious puberty refers to the early onset of puberty, typically before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys. This can also lead to height issues, as the individual may experience early growth spurts followed by early epiphyseal closure, resulting in a shorter adult height.
- Growth Hormone Deficiency
Some adolescents may have a deficiency in growth hormone, leading to stunted growth. For an individual to achieve a more typical height, synthetic growth hormone may be necessary.
- Hormone Excess
In rare cases, hormonal imbalances can lead to excessive growth, a condition known as gigantism in adolescents. This is often related to an overproduction of growth hormone, and treatment may be needed to manage the condition and prevent excessive height.
We Help Parents and Kids Navigate Growth Issues Before and During Puberty
Puberty is a dynamic time in a kid’s life marked by significant physical and hormonal changes, including growth spurts. While most people experience one prominent growth spurt during early to mid-puberty, it is possible to have multiple, smaller spurts throughout the entire puberty period.
Once puberty concludes and the growth plates fuse, further height increases become unlikely. It’s essential to remember that the timing and intensity of growth spurts are highly individual and influenced by genetics, nutrition, sleep, and overall health.
Growth spurts are a normal part of puberty. However, multiple growth spurts during puberty could be the result of an underlying endocrine issue. Parents need to know for sure.
The Endocrine Co. team specializes in pediatric endocrinology. We’re here to help you navigate unexpected hormone-related health issues. If your child has been undergoing multiple growth spurts, we invite you to schedule a visit at our Orlando clinic for a full evaluation.