How can I grow taller?

I am the shortest in my class by a lot and I have been since kindergarten. My parents aren't that short, and I am not growing the required two inches a year.

My mom said that if this keeps up, I will have to have shots to make me grow. I’m 13, and I have already started puberty, but I haven't grown taller. What’s wrong?

I can totally relate to what you’re going through, girl. I’m only five feet tall, which is shorter than my childhood doctor predicted. Unfortunately, regardless of your parents’ heights, we can’t totally predict what height we will be in the end.

I know it’s tough to feel like everyone else is a “normal” height, but just ‘cause you’re the shortest, doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. As you get older, you may find that you enjoy being a little bit different.

But in the meantime, it is important that you are not growing at a medically abnormal rate. If you meet with your mom and your doc and they recommend hormone shots, you might want to listen to their advice. It won’t be nearly as bad as you’re imagining.

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POSTED IN body image, puberty