Tom dreads gym class—not because he hates playing basketball or soccer, but because of what comes after: the locker room. The other guys are growing taller, their voices are deepening, and their bodies are transforming, while Tom feels stuck in childhood. It’s frustrating, and it makes him feel out of place.
So, is there a way to speed up puberty? Should you even be worried about it? Let’s break it down and find out.
What Is Puberty, and When Does It Happen?
Puberty is like nature’s green light—it signals that your body is transitioning from a kid’s to an adult’s. For boys, puberty typically kicks off between ages 9 and 14. The signs? A deepening voice, body hair sprouting in new places, growth spurts, and increased muscle mass. If you’re around this age and feel like you’re lagging behind, don’t sweat it. Everyone’s timeline is unique.
But if you’re still wondering, how can I hit puberty faster? Here are five tips that might help—or at least make the wait a little easier.
1. Accept That Timing Isn’t in Your Control
Life doesn’t hand out milestones on demand. Just like you can’t ace every test or land the perfect spot on the team without effort, you can’t force puberty to show up sooner. Your body has its own schedule, and that’s perfectly okay.
2. Focus on the Upside
Not hitting puberty yet might feel like a bummer, but think about it: no shaving hassles, no sudden breakouts, and maybe even a little more time to sleep in before morning showers. Puberty isn’t all glam—it’s a mix of awkward and amazing. So, enjoy the perks while you can!
3. Do What You Love
Find what makes you happy and dive into it. Whether it’s sports, music, theater, or gaming, channel your energy into something you’re good at. Building your confidence can make the waiting game feel less overwhelming.
4. Stay Fit and Healthy
Being overweight or out of shape can sometimes delay puberty. Exercise regularly, eat balanced meals, and take care of your body. You’ll not only feel better, but you might also set the stage for those changes to happen naturally.
5. Sharpen Your Skills
Just because you’re developing a little later doesn’t mean you can’t excel in sports or other activities. Plenty of top athletes started as underdogs. Keep practicing, build your skills, and remember: confidence beats size any day.
What If It’s Delayed Puberty?
If you’ve hit 14 and still don’t see signs like body hair, voice changes, or growth, you might be dealing with delayed puberty. Is it a problem? Usually, no. Most delayed puberty cases are genetic—if your parents started late, chances are you will too.
However, some medical conditions, like chronic illnesses or hormonal imbalances, can also cause delays. In rare cases, issues like isolated gonadotropin deficiency (IGD) or Kallmann syndrome (which also affects your sense of smell) might be the cause. If you’re concerned, talk to a doctor—they can help figure out what’s going on.
Can Delayed Puberty Be Treated?
For most people, patience is the best “treatment.” But if waiting feels unbearable, doctors can prescribe short courses of testosterone to jumpstart things. This is common for late bloomers and even essential for those with hormone deficiencies like IGD.
So, is there a magic way to hit puberty faster? Not really. But trust the process—when others stop growing, you might just be hitting your stride. Puberty happens when it’s meant to, and when it does, you’ll be ready.