Q. Can a 16-year-old boy still grow taller?

Hello doctor,

I want to talk to you about my height. I am a teenager who is almost 16 years old and 5 feet tall. I cannot get over my insecurity as I have a cousin who is two years younger than me, but my height is always pointed out in the family. When I was 14 years old, I stopped growing due to exam stress and lack of sleep. I am being frank. I was frequently masturbating from the age of 13. I masturbated three times a day, which affected my height. I have almost stopped masturbating now, and I am doing it only once or twice a week. But because of my insecurity, I cannot sit peacefully. I am about to turn 16 years soon. My dad is of my height because he and my uncle lifted weights incorrectly at a young age, but they say my grandfather and his brothers were almost 6 feet tall. On the other hand, my mother is 5 feet 4 inches tall, but her brothers are above 5 feet 11 inches. My uncle grew tall when he turned 16 years, but the thing is, I have not grown an inch since I had my first significant growth spurt at the age of 13 or 14 years. I have shown all other signs of puberty like a normal person. I also hear cracks from my shoulder, knees, and feet sometimes, although I eat a lot of good food. I also have pretty big feet. My mood has not been good lately because I am stressing over my midterms, mocks, and CIE exams that I have this year. I know this is trivial compared to others who have more severe concerns, but I would appreciate it if you could help me.

Thank you.