Puberty Tanner Stages: Female vs. Male

Puberty is a time of transition when a child’s body begins to mature into an adult body capable of reproduction. Puberty timing (the age when puberty begins and ends) can differ in each child and may happen earlier or later than the usual age range. However, normal puberty usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 14 years in both boys and girls, and tends to occur first in girls. It involves both physical and emotional changes triggered by sex hormones.

The physical signs of puberty are called secondary sex characteristics. They include breast development in females and increased testicular volume in males. Doctors use a system called the Tanner Stages or Sexual Maturity Ratings (SMRs) to objectively classify and track these physical changes in a child’s development. This helps in identifying problems like early (precocious) puberty (before age 9) or delayed puberty (after age 15).

Please continue reading to learn more about the differences between Tanner Stages in males and females.

What are the Tanner Stages of puberty for females and males?

The following are the five stages of visible changes that occur during puberty in males and females. The chronological age at which the body changes is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. For example, white boys and girls typically start puberty later than Hispanic and Black girls, and eating disorders can lead to delayed puberty.

Tanner Stage 1

During the early stages of puberty (stage 1) in both females and males, changes are occurring behind the scenes, but physical changes are not yet visible. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus starts producing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH tells another part of the brain called the pituitary gland to release hormones called the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH and FSH, in turn, send signals to the ovaries and testes in females and males, respectively, to start producing the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. These sex hormones lead to the visible signs of physical maturation that we associate with puberty.

Tanner Stage 2 in Males

The first signs of puberty occur between ages 9 and 14 years. This includes an increase in the size of the scrotum and testicles.
Pubic hair starts growing sparsely around the penis. Hair growth occurs under the arms as well.
Boys grow 2-2.5 inches per year during this puberty stage, which can result in growing pains.

Tanner Stage 2 in Females

The breast buds develop and the areolas (the darker area around the nipples) enlarge between the ages of 8 and 13.
There is a growth of sparse pubic hair.
Girls grow by around 2 inches per year during this stage.

Tanner Stage 3 in Males

Genital development continues. The penis and testicles continue growing in Tanner Stage 3, which usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 16.
Males begin getting “wet dreams” or ejaculation during sleep.
There is darkening and coarsening of pubic hair into a triangle shape.
Increased sweating can lead to body odor.
The voice begins coarsening or cracking.
There is increased muscle mass.
Boys grow by 2-3 inches per year during this stage of puberty.
Approximately 50% of boys between the ages of 11 and 15 years develop gynecomastia (male breasts), but this breast tissue typically disappears by the time puberty ends.

Tanner Stage 3 in Females

The breast tissue continues developing between the ages of 9 and 14 years.
Pubic hair continues growing and becomes coarser and more curly in the shape of a triangle.
A growth spurt occurs with a gain in height of up to 3 inches per year.
The skin becomes oily in response to hormonal changes, which can lead to the development of acne.

Tanner Stage 4 in Males

Physical development is in full swing during Tanner Stage 4 which usually occurs between ages 11 and 16 years.
The testicles and penis continue to grow in size. The penis develops ridges called rugae.
The skin in the genital area becomes darker in color.
Pubic hair continues growing and may grow on the inner thighs as well. Body hair reaches adult levels.
Boys continue developing a deeper voice.
Problems with acne can occur due to hormonal changes.
The growth spurt in boys during Tanner Stage 4 can result in a height gain of up to 4 inches per year.

Tanner Stage 4 in Females

Breast development continues between the ages of 10 and 15 years. The nipples start to become prominent.
Pubic hair becomes more abundant.
The gain in height slows down during this stage of adolescent development in girls. Height growth occurs at around 2-2.5 inches per year.
Acne problems can continue.
Girls start menstruation and typically get their first period at around age 12 years.

Tanner Stage 5 in Males

This is the final stage of puberty when sexual maturation is complete. In most boys, puberty ends by age 17, but in some it can continue into the early 20s. Some boys do not develop facial hair until Tanner Stage 5. Most boys reach final adult height at this time.

Tanner Stage 5 in Females

Tanner Stage 5 is the final phase of puberty when a female’s body is fully developed. The thighs start to develop hair. There can be a line of hair up to the navel. The thighs and buttocks fill out. Many females reach approximate adult size by age 16, but some may not reach their final adult size until age 20.

What Tanner stage do girls grow the most?

Girls have the maximum height growth (around 3 inches per year) in Tanner Stage 3.

What Tanner stage do boys grow the most?

Boys have the maximum height growth (around 4 inches per year) in Tanner Stage 4.

Note: This article uses the terms “male” and “female” based on the gender assigned at birth. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Your child’s healthcare providers can help you understand sexual maturity rating and its effect on your child’s life in case your child has gender variance or gender nonconformity.

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