What Changes Happen at the Start of Tanner Stage 3 in Males?
tTanner stage 3 is a critical period in male development, marking significant physical and hormonal changes. This article will explore the various changes that occur during this stage, providing a comprehensive overview of what parents, educators, and healthcare professionals should be aware of.
1. Genital Development
tDuring Tanner stage 3, the penis begins to grow in both length and width, becoming more pronounced. The scrotum also darkens and further develops. These physical transformations signify the body's increasing preparation for reproductive maturity.
2. Pubic Hair Development
tPubic hair at this stage becomes coarser and darker, spreading out more widely over the pubic area. Some boys may notice that the hair starts to curl, indicating the body's increasing levels of androgens.
3. Growth Spurts
tOne of the most notable changes during Tanner stage 3 is the onset of growth spurts. Males experience a rapid increase in height, often referred to as the growth spurt. This phase is a hallmark of this developmental stage.
4. Muscle Development
tThere is an increase in muscle mass and strength due to rising levels of testosterone. This contributes to the boy's overall physical development and can enhance their athletic capabilities.
5. Voice Changes
tThe voice starts to deepen as the larynx grows and the vocal cords lengthen. This can be a gradual process, with some boys experiencing their voice cracking initially as it changes.
6. Acne and Skin Changes
tIncreased oil production in the skin can lead to the appearance of acne and other changes in skin texture. This is often due to the body's heightened levels of testosterone, which can exacerbate skin problems during adolescence.
7. Emotional Changes
tMales may experience mood swings and emotional changes as hormonal levels fluctuate. These emotional shifts can be challenging for both the boys and those around them.
Personal Experiences
tTo provide a more personal perspective, let's explore some real-life experiences of individuals going through Tanner stage 3.
Experience 1
tOne individual, who started Tanner stage 3 around the age of 14, mentioned that the first sign of change was a deepening voice, with occasional cracking. His baby face was disproportionately large, making the rest of his body seem significantly larger. He also experienced acne and pimples on his forehead, along with lighter leg hair. The most noticeable change was a growth spurt, where his legs grew much faster than the rest of his body. He gained weight quickly and grew 8 inches in two years, lasting from the age of 14.9 to 17.0. By the time he reached early Tanner stage 4 (at 17), he had already grown to 5 feet 10 and a half inches, hoping to reach 6 feet in height.
Experience 2
tAnother person who was in Tanner stage 3 starting at barely 5 feet 2 inches and finishing at 5 feet 10 inches, with a low but slightly squeaky voice. The acne persisted, but the voice became deeper and almost permanent, with occasional voice cracks. The growth rate in height remained the same as in Tanner stage 3, but there was a slight darkening of leg hair. He started shaving his leg hair because he did not like how it looked. He also developed a light brown peach fuzz mustache, and there was no thick pubic or facial hair. This individual started early Tanner stage 4 just over a month ago and is now 5 feet 10 and a half inches.
Experience 3
tThe third individual started Tanner stage 2 around the age of 14. At the beginning of the stage, he had a few strands of hair under his underwear. A few months later, he experienced an increase in the size of his testes. Tanner stage 2 lasted between 9 to 12 months. His voice was very high-pitched, similar to a nine-year-old, even though he was around 14 years old and physically looked like a child. His feet and hands were disproportionately large, but they later became more normal in size. He started the stage with a size 6 shoe and ended with a size 9.
Conclusion
tTanner stage 3 is a pivotal stage in male development, marked by significant physical and emotional changes. While the timeline and intensity of these changes can vary from individual to individual, understanding these transformations can help in providing better support and guidance during this critical period of growth.