Sex education has taught us that puberty takes place between the ages of 8-14, that it is when you hit puberty that you change from a child to an adult. Changes to your mind and body do not stop at 14, studies have shown that the brain continues to develop well into your 20’s. These changes are all a normal part of maturing, and it is because of these sometimes sudden and drastic changes that the term “second puberty” has surfaced on social media sites. This article will aim to look at what the second puberty encounters, and whether it really is a thing.
Because “second puberty” is not a medical term, there is no official definition that describes when or why it occurs. Instead, second puberty is a slang term that refers to the changes that happen post-adolescence.. People may further use the words in a different way to refer to different time periods such as the transition from 20s to 30s. I found myself going through a huge change in my body between the ages of 18-21, and this felt far more drastic compared to my puberty at aged 15. So what signs are there of going through second puberty?
Penis-Owners aged 20
During this time, you are continuing to physically mature as you move out from your teenage years. You will reach maximum bone and muscle mass, this may result in changes in your physical appearance which is completely natural and normal. Puberty in your 20s will also result in slowing the prostate growth.
Penis-Owners aged 30
When you reach your mid-30s, your testosterone levels gradually decrease, this will not cause any noticeable signs. You may undergo further physical changes, with your bone and muscle mass beginning to decline. Changes in your skin and hair may also be visible, examples of these including age spots or gray hair.
Penis-Owners aged 40
The changes that occur during your 30s are seen to continue into your 40s. This “male menopause” can cause physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, though the physical changes may be more visible due to a decress in testosterone. You may find a change in your physical appearance due to the change in fat redistribution; it is common for fat to accumulate in your belly or chest. You may also suddenly find you have shrunk in height, this is due to the way the discs between your vertebrae begin to shrink. Additionally, your genitals and reproductive system will go through further changes. Your prostate goes through another growth spurt, this in turn may result in more difficulty urinating. A decrease in testosterone can also result in difficulty in maintaining an erection.
Second Puberty in Transgender Women Taking Hormonal Therapy
During hormone therapy, it is common and normal for your body to go through changes. Not only will your breasts develop but you may see changes in your skin. Hormone therapy can result in a decrease of melanin, meaning you may notice your skin becoming slightly lighter in color. Slower growth of body hair is also common in second puberty, you may also find your body hair is sparser and less dense. Your body may further change in the way it will start to accumulate fat in different areas, fat may be more apparent in the hips, thighs, buttocks, pubic, upper arms, and breasts. Finally, you may experience mood changes due to the hormone treatment. These changes tend to occur at the beginning of hormone treatment, but slowly become less prominent over time.
Vulva-Owners aged 20
Similarly to men, bone and muscle mass reaches its peak in the 20s. Your muscles are the strongest during this time. Your periods may also become more regular, this is due to a peak in estrogen.
Vulva-Owners aged 30
Second puberty in your 30s can be used in reference to perimenopause, the transition into menopause. During this time your estrogen levels may become more irregular which results in changes of physical appearance. Your bone and muscle mass will decrease. Your skin also loses elasticity which can result in wrinkles and sagging skin. Unstable estrogen levels can also result in less regular periods as well as a decrease in fertility. You may also find yourself experiencing vaginal dryness and hot flashes, all common signs of perimenopause.
Vulva-Owners aged 40
By your late 40s, your body will start to enter menopause. This can result in a decrease in height and weight gain. This is due to the way your body changes the way in which it uses energy. You may further experience irregular or no periods, your body will make less estrogen and you may find your periods stopping by your early 50s.
Second Puberty in Transgender Men Taking Hormonal Therapy
Hormone therapy for transgender men will result in a change of muslce growth and body shape, changes in the skin also means that stretch mark and acne is common and likely. Hair structure can change due to hormonal influence, this means there will be an increase in facial and body hair. Hormonal therapy and testosterone treatment can result in changes in the voice. Whilst periods will likely cease, it is important to know that pregnancy can still be possible. It is crucial for people on testosterone who want to avoid pregnancy to discuss birth control options with a health care provider.
Though the concept of a second puberty is not a scientific fact in itself, an increase of conversation around it has normalized changes in our bodies. Your 23-year-old self may not fit into the same pair of jeans you brought when you were 19—that is completely okay and normal. It is important that during these changes that you try to remain healthy, this includes keeping active and being kind to yourself. It can be normal to be surprised by these changes, but knowing what to expect can make going through your second puberty easier to manage.
By Stephanie McCartney