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Exploring Second Puberty: Is It Real?

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an illustration of a nondescript orange figure showing different puberty symptoms

Do you feel like your body has decided to take you on a surprise adventure in your late 20s, 30s, or even beyond? Like, “Oh, remember puberty? That was fun, right? Let’s do it again!” If you’ve found yourself asking what’s up with your random body changes and emotional rollercoasters, you’re not alone. Get ready to embrace what some people call, "second puberty." It’s not an official medical term, but it’s definitely a thing that people are chatting about more and more — especially on social media. So, what is second puberty, and is it really happening?  

Note: Throughout this piece, the term "women" is used to represent a shared experience; however, this guide aims to assist you in navigating your period, no matter your gender identity. 

what is second puberty? 

Do women go through a second puberty stage? Alright, first things first: second puberty isn’t actually, like, a real thing. Well, not in the medical sense, at least. It’s more of a catchy phrase that’s been making the rounds, capturing the collective sighs and groans of adults everywhere who thought they’d left puberty behind their teenage years. Second puberty refers to the physical and emotional changes that can hit you in adulthood. These changes may include perimenopause, hormonal shifts, and other new developments, like body shape changes and unexpected hair growth. 

You might be asking, "Wait, am I seriously going through puberty again?" Well, not exactly. The term is a way to describe how your body’s adjusting to hormone levels at your current age, but don’t worry — you won’t be dealing with the awkwardness of high school all over again. Instead, think of it as your body’s not-so-gentle reminder that it’s still got a few tricks up its sleeve. 

is second puberty real? the science behind it 

The science behind second puberty lies in the natural hormonal changes that happen as women age. Remember all those hormones that made your teenage years memorable? Well, they’re still hanging around, but they're acting differently now and taking your adult body to a whole new level.  

If you’ve ever wondered, “When is second puberty,” it typically occurs in your late 30s to early 40s, as your hormones begin to shift –– especially estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to symptoms that might feel oddly familiar, like mood swings and changes in breast tissue. 

These hormonal shifts are particularly noticeable during perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause, which is the time your periods permanently stop. So, in a way, second puberty is real — but it’s more precise to explain it as a series of hormonal adjustments that your body goes through as you age, especially during perimenopause. It’s not exactly the same as your first experience of puberty, but it’s got its fair share of challenges. 

signs and symptoms of second puberty 

So, what exactly can you expect during this so-called second puberty? Here’s a rundown of some of the common signs and symptoms: 

physical changes 

  • breast development - Yep, your breasts might change again, either growing, shrinking, or taking on a new shape. It’s all about those fluctuating estrogen levels that cause these changes. 
  • hair growth - You might notice more pubic hair or even new hair sprouting up in unexpected places.  
  • body transformations - Notice that your body shape isn’t what it used to be? You’re not imagining things. Second puberty can cause the redistribution of your body fat, and even a slight growth spurt. 
  • skin and hair changes - Just when you thought your acne days were over, your skin might decide to rebel again, thanks to your hormones. Plus, your hair might start to thin or change in texture. 
  • menstrual period changes - Periods can become heavier, more irregular, or eventually lighter as hormone levels fluctuate. You might also experience more intense or milder cramps and increased breast tenderness before periods. Whatever it is, it will surely be different from what you've been used to. 

emotional and mental health impacts 

  • mood swings - Remember the moodiness of your teenage years? It might make a comeback, with your emotions swinging from one extreme to another faster than you can say "hormonal shift." 
  • anxiety and stress - Hormonal changes can also mess with your mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, or even depression. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. 
  • sleep disturbances - Tossing and turning all night? Hormones could be the culprit. If you’ve noticed hot flashes or period night sweats, it might be one of the early signs of perimenopause as part of second puberty. This can make sleep challenging and is a common complaint during these hormonal shifts. 
  • body image concerns - Without a doubt, the bodily changes you may experience during this phase can also bring up concerns with your body image. It’s easy to feel less confident when your body starts behaving in ways you didn’t expect, but it’s also important to remember that these changes are a natural part of life and can be managed. 

managing changes during second puberty 

Now that we’ve covered the less-than-fun part, let’s talk about how to cope with these changes. Because, let’s face it, you’re not the same person you were in high school, and you’ve got some life experience under your belt now. So, how can you manage this so-called second puberty without losing your cool? 

tips for coping with symptoms 

  • stay active - Exercise can help balance your hormones, improve your mood, and keep your body strong. It's also a great way to blow off some steam when those mood swings hit! 
  • eat well - A balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support your hormone levels and boost overall health. And hey, it’s a good excuse to treat yourself to that avocado toast! 
  • get enough sleep - Easier said than done, right? But seriously, practicing good sleep habits can make a big difference. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule, and create a calming bedtime routine to help you unwind, fall asleep faster, and get better sleep quality. 
  • practice self-care - Whether it’s a long bath, reading a good book, or just taking a few minutes to walk around and breathe deeply, self-care is important during this time. 

how Thinx can help during this phase 

One of the most annoying parts of second puberty is dealing with changes in your menstrual cycle all over again. Heavy periods, unpredictable cycles, and even some surprise spotting can make you feel like you’re back in high school, but without the free passes to skip gym class. 

Thinx period underwear can be your new best friend for managing the chaos. Thinx is designed to handle everything from light days to heavy flows, so you can stay comfortable and confident.  

Whether you’re dealing with heavy periods, the occasional leak, or just want some peace of mind, Thinx has got you covered. Literally. It’s one less thing to worry about as you navigate the wild ride of second puberty. 

embrace second puberty confidently 

So, is second puberty real? Kind of. While it’s not an official medical term, it’s a pretty spot-on way to describe the hormonal shifts and changes that many of us go through in adulthood. Whether you’re dealing with breast development, mood swings, changes in body shape, or just trying to figure out why your body’s decided to switch things up, know that you’re not alone. 

The good news? You’ve been through this before, and you’ve come out just fine on the other side. Sure, it’s a little different this time around, but you’ve got wisdom, experience, and Thinx period underwear to help you handle it. 

sources  

Cleveland Clinic. Perimenopause: Age, Stages, Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause 

WebMD. Perimenopause: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments. https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide-perimenopause 

Mayo Clinic. Perimenopause: Diagnosis and Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354671 

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