Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
Second Puberty?
avatar
An_246849 posted:
I'm 19 years old and within the past year, I've been experiencing what seems to be a 'second puberty'. I went through a normal 'first' one, starting my period in middle school. Since I am Asian, I've always been on the thinner side, but throughout the past year I've grown distinct hips, C-cups, wider legs...essentially a woman's body. My mother didn't go through this transformation until after being pregnant in her 30's.

I am wondering if this is normal, or if I am simply gaining weight from my first year of college? I don't mind the transformation or weight gain, the only upsetting part is throwing away clothes I've been able to fit in for 3+ years. Do other women (maybe only Asian?) go through a 2-part transition to womanhood?
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Second Puberty?I'm 19 years old and within the past year, I've been experiencing what seems to be a 'second puberty'. I went through a normal 'first' one, starting my period in middle school. Since I am Asian, I've always been on the thinner side, but throughout the past year I've grown distinct hips, C-cups, wider legs...essentially a woman's body. My mother didn't go through this transformation until after being pregnant in her 30's. <br /><br />I am wondering if this is normal, or if I am simply gaining weight from my first year of college? I don't mind the transformation or weight gain, the only upsetting part is throwing away clothes I've been able to fit in for 3+ years. Do other women (maybe only Asian?) go through a 2-part transition to womanhood?
Reply
 
avatar
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An:Yes, there are distinct breast changes that accompany a full term pregnancy. There can also be breast enlargement due to increased estrogen exposure. Lastly, increased weight can increase breast size.

If you are using an estrogen containing form of birth control (eg pill/patch/ring) that can increase breast size while you are using that method. An estrogen secreting tumor would be VERY uncommon. Even the very early puberty that some girls are now experiencing as young as age 8 are thought to be a function of either our trend to heavier body weights (likely) vs estrogen like chemicals in the environment (controversial). Should you continue to have increased breast size while maintaining the very same weight you should see a GYN.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Second Puberty?Dear An:Yes, there are distinct breast changes that accompany a full term pregnancy. There can also be breast enlargement due to increased estrogen exposure. Lastly, increased weight can increase breast size.<br /><br />If you are using an estrogen containing form of birth control (eg pill/patch/ring) that can increase breast size while you are using that method. An estrogen secreting tumor would be VERY uncommon. Even the very early puberty that some girls are now experiencing as young as age 8 are thought to be a function of either our trend to heavier body weights (likely) vs estrogen like chemicals in the environment (controversial). Should you continue to have increased breast size while maintaining the very same weight you should see a GYN.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
Reply
 
avatar
An_246680 responded:
My daughter went thru the same thing at age 18 and yup, it was birth control pills. She uses an iud now after trying various strengths of hormone-containing birth control. She also started bicycling EVERYWHERE. That got rid of the hips.
Report This| Share this:Second Puberty?My daughter went thru the same thing at age 18 and yup, it was birth control pills. She uses an iud now after trying various strengths of hormone-containing birth control. She also started bicycling EVERYWHERE. That got rid of the hips.
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Women's Health Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP Expert
Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP, is a nurse practitioner and has been a practicing women's health care specialist for 15 years. She was on the facul...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Hysterectomy
I am having heavy bleeding and sever pain with it every month that it affects my daily living when I have it I even had to drop out of ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
16 of 27 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Below the Belt: Women's Health - Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP

From HPV to irregular periods to PMS to fibroids, Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, is here to share her knowledge and insight...Read More

Related News

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.