My Body · Puberty, Explained
Growth Spurts, Explained
By the eva team · · 1 min read
A growth spurt is a period when your body grows more quickly than before. During puberty, you may suddenly become taller, need larger clothes or notice that your arms and legs seem to change faster than the rest of your body. Growth does not happen at the same age, speed or pattern for everyone.
1. Why Am I Suddenly Growing So Fast?
During puberty, your height may increase much faster for a while. This is called a growth spurt. Growth can happen quickly for several months and then become slower again, so it may not feel steady or predictable.
2. Puberty Hormones Speed Up Growth
Puberty hormones guide changes throughout the body, including faster growth in height and weight. This rapid growth is one normal part of the body developing toward adulthood.
3. Some Body Parts May Seem To Grow First
During rapid growth, your body may temporarily feel unfamiliar or less coordinated. Clothes and shoes may stop fitting quickly, and your arms or legs may seem long before the rest of your body catches up. This does not mean your body is growing incorrectly.
4. Growth Often Happens Before The First Period
For many girls, the fastest height growth happens after breast development begins and before the first period. Growth usually starts slowing after the first period, although some additional height growth commonly continues. The exact timing is different for every person.
5. Your Growth Pattern Is Your Own
Some people have an earlier growth spurt, while others grow later or more gradually. Differences in puberty timing and family growth patterns can make people of the same age very different heights. Being taller or shorter than your friends does not show who is healthier or more mature.
6. Growing Quickly Can Feel Strange—But It Is Temporary
A growth spurt can make your body feel unfamiliar for a while, but it is a normal part of puberty. Ask a trusted adult or healthcare professional if you are worried that your growth has suddenly stopped, is happening unusually early or late, or is accompanied by other changes that concern you.