Question
I’m 16 years old, and I’ve started growing a beard last year. Now, my chin is clearly developing a beard.
Answer
Depending on the individual, some people start showing signs of secondary sexual characteristics as early as 12 or 13 years old. At 16, it’s a normal phase of growth and development and should not be considered precocious puberty. The emergence of a small beard is also a normal occurrence and there’s no need to be overly concerned. Generally speaking, height can continue to increase until around the age of 20, and how much one can grow depends on various factors, including diet, exercise, and genetics. If you want to understand more clearly, you can go to the hospital for an X-ray and consult with a doctor to check your bone age.