Going through puberty as a middle schooler or high schooler is like constantly being at war with yourself. By the time it’s over and you’re ready for college, triumphant and beautiful, it feels amazing to finally get that confidence back and feel secure in yourself again. But just when we thought it was over, the female body gears up for another metamorphosis: the second puberty.
Transitioning from life as a young teen into young adulthood comes with a host of unexpected problems and unfamiliar territory. One of the challenges that no one really talks about is the uncomfortable. Often discouraging changes that happen to a woman’s body in her early 20s. Many of these kinds of changes are the reappearance of acne, sudden weight gain and even major emotional changes.
What is happening to you *and everyone else. *
The phenomenon of the second puberty really isn’t talked about enough. It’s important to recognize that if you are experiencing these things, you’re not alone (literally even women experience something akin to this at any point before menopause). Evolving and growing is not necessarily glamorous, but it is something to embrace. Many people quietly undergo these changes, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t experiencing them. Remember to be kind to yourself and not let the bodily blues get you down.
What is *technically* happening.
“Second puberty” is not an actual medical term. It’s a slang term to describe the phenomenon of the hormonal changes that occur between your 20s, 30s and 40s leading up to the point of menopause. According to gynecology and sexual health specialist Dr. Stone, ” In your 20s, your hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone, continue to increase until they reach their peak. With your hormones at their highest level, bodily changes surface.” These changes manifest in ways hauntingly similar to the experience of puberty, thrusting us from adolescence into adulthood, except they feel ten times worse because the stigma around talking about creates the impression that it’s an uncommon experience.
What to do about the fact that *this extremely annoying thing* is happening.
As tragic as it is, it’s true that we are getting older and there is nothing that can be done to stop it from happening. Instead, you can use your wonderfully forming and maturing brain to create habits that will help mitigate the effects of hormones gone wild.
Weight gain is extremely common during this time. Along with hormonal changes that cause weight to be stored in different and new ways are cosmic lifestyle changes that also impact how your body holds on to fat. Being intentional about exercising and weight training can help your body regulate the amount of calorie intake and calories being burned in order to maintain a healthy weight. Also, sleep is crucial for this as well!
From the tips of your toes to the top of your head, changes are happening. During this time, estrogen is nearing its height, meaning that your hair is the thickest it will be throughout your life. In many ways, this is a really good thing, but it can also present some challenges like having hair get greasy really quickly. Taking supplements is an easy way to keep your hair strong and maintain a balanced profile.
Skincare is also important for helping with acne flare-ups or changes in skin texture. Consult with a dermatologist or figure out what works best for you by trial and error, though be prepared to invest some time and money into finding the best combination for your skin.
Trust VALLEY, you did not peak in high school. Even if these changes don’t feel so great, they are important for you to continue to grow. If you have any tips or tricks on how to deal with the effects of the second puberty, reach out on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
