At what point should I go the GP?

[JadeWaves]

My eldest is 14 (not far off 15) and I’m becoming worried about his height and overall development. He hasn’t changed much yet and I’m thinking when is it best to take him to a gp to make sure everything is alright? Only thing preventing me is that I don’t want to make him worry thinking something’s wrong, that and I don’t want to embarrass him.

How long has be been the same height for? Or do you mean growth is slow? How tall is he?

I'd take him now if you're worried. If it's all ok then you've put your mind at rest. If it isn't then you've started the ball rolling to have a blood test/see a specialist etc. There will no doubt be long waits for any treatment so better to address it sooner rather than later.

@IggityZiggity he’s about 5’2 which bothers him. I’m not sure what the average is at that age (if there is one really) but all his friends seem to be taller, even my other son isn’t far off and he’s younger. Growth in general has seemingly been slow.

@NuffSaidSam It seems like that would be for the best. I’ll try and book him an appointment when I can. What happens during these sorts of appointments do you know? Any blood tests or anything initially?

His height is irrelevant comparing it to his friends. Are you and his dad short?

Are you worried that he hasn't started puberty? Or that he is short?

@BobaTeaPoops I’m 5’7 and his dad was about 5’10 so not the tallest parents but certainly not the shortest.

I think my worry comes more from him not starting puberty yeah since that’s where the growth spurt starts. Whilst the height is a concern it all is bundled together in puberty if that makes sense

I found with my own kids that the girls growth was slow over a longer period of time but my son went from short to tall over night literally out of nowhere he went upstairs as my little boy and came downstairs the next morning as a fully grown man. I think boys sprout all in one go! I've noticed this with my nephews also.

Dh and I are really tall and ds was little for ages,then suddenly shot up at about 15/16.

Thanks a lot for the reassurance everyone. It has made me feel a little better in regards to the situation. I’ve decided I’m going to call the GP tomorrow and discuss what’s best and if anything needs to be done for my son. I don’t think he’s started puberty really so perhaps he’s a late bloomer

@JadeWaves I guess they can do a set of bloods, measure his height, weight, and exam his genitals development. This examination can tell if he has started puberty or not based on the size of his testicles. What is his muscle mass like? Does he have any muscle growth that you would expect of a child of his age?

The NHS website helps with this. www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-or-delayed-puberty/

My son was delayed in his development we didn't know but he had/has been diagnosed with Klinefelter Syndrome. Bloods for testosterone and sex hormone FSH / LSH would be good to see what levels they are at.

How did you get on with the GP?

My son is 14 only just and smallest in the class and looks to be behind his peers