Yes, puberty causes a significant increase in height.
During childhood, the average height increase is about 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) per year. Before puberty, this growth rate slows down. However, once puberty begins, there is a dramatic increase in growth, averaging about 8 centimeters per year. This sharp increase in height during puberty is a defining characteristic of this developmental stage.
Growth Patterns During Childhood and Puberty
| Stage | Average Height Increase per Year |
|---|---|
| Childhood | 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) |
| Pre-Puberty | Slower Growth |
| Puberty | 8 centimeters |
The increase in height during puberty is primarily driven by hormonal changes. These hormonal changes stimulate growth plates in bones, causing them to elongate. This growth spurt is more significant and faster than the steady growth during earlier childhood.
Here are some key takeaways about growth and puberty:
- Puberty is a growth spurt: The most significant height increase occurs during this stage.
- Hormones drive growth: Hormonal changes during puberty stimulate growth.
- Individual variation: While an average of 8 centimeters per year is typical, individual growth patterns can vary.
In summary, while you grow throughout childhood, puberty is the period when the most significant growth occurs, with an average of 8 centimeters of height increase per year.
