Tanner Stages
Updated:Tanner stages, also known as the Sexual Maturity Rating (SMR) system, is a scale used to measure the physical development of children, adolescents, and adults during puberty. Developed by British pediatrician James Tanner, this system categorizes the progression of physical changes in both male and female bodies through five distinct stages, from pre-pubescent (Stage 1) to fully mature adult (Stage 5).
Additional Information
The Tanner stages assess two main aspects of physical development:
- For females: Breast development and pubic hair growth
- For males: Genital development and pubic hair growth
Each aspect is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being pre-pubertal and 5 being fully mature. It's important to note that individuals may progress through these stages at different rates, and it's common for someone to be at different stages for different characteristics.
Healthcare professionals use the Tanner stages to:
- Monitor normal growth and development
- Identify early or delayed puberty
- Guide treatment decisions for conditions affecting puberty
Examples
A 12-year-old girl might be at Tanner Stage 3 for breast development but only Stage 2 for pubic hair growth.
An endocrinologist might use Tanner stages to assess whether a 14-year-old boy with no signs of puberty needs further evaluation for delayed puberty.