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My senior year of college was the first time I knew something about my body was different.


Attempting to find an outfit for a friends bday celebration in the midst of the fall, I slowly began to realize my pants did not fit. I literally grabbed about 10 pairs of pants, tried them on, and they all felt a little off.

While most women wouldn't complain about growing a booty overnight, I was completely shocked and confused. Being the person I am, I had to do a little more digging. Am I being blessed with the curves that I prayed for for years of being without, or was I going through a second stage of puberty? Oddly enough, it turned out it was the latter.

Here are a few ways you can expect your body to change throughout your 20's:

Your period will come like clockwork.

Until I hit 21/22 years old, I literally had no idea when my period would decide to make an appearance. The length of my cycle always varied, so I had to be prepared for whatever whenever. At this age, however, I began to recognize symptoms I never really had any prior as the indicator of when to expect my Aunt Flo to make an appearance. Now, I can pretty much pinpoint when my period should be coming down to the day.

But, period cramps may be worse than ever.

I used to gloat about never having menstrual cramps, while my girlfriends had to resort to meds. Now, my cramps literally feel like someone is kicking me in the uterus and my lower back simultaneously. It's a gift and a curse.

Your sex drive will probably reach new heights.

If you're in your 20's and started considering a hoe phase shortly after tuning into season two of Insecure, it's not because of Issa. It's more likely due to the fact that your sexual appetite is drastically increasing. If you're on birth control, this may not apply to you. If not, more power to you girl.

You may start to feel a little more curvy and womanly.

Much like me waking up and randomly having a bit more junk in the trunk, you may begin to feel curvier and notice that womanly figure that people talk about. You may actually be gaining weight in the right places. For some of us, it might feel like it's about damn time.

In general, be prepared to gain more and more weight each year.

Sigh. A moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips. You might have to be a little more conscious of what you consume. Your metabolism will not be what it used to be so don't try to outsmart it. Instead, try making healthier choices a lifestyle change. Likewise, it could very well be the punctuation on the curves of your dreams.

However, you may lose weight...down there.

Yes, your vagina. Your vulva may appear a little smaller, however, everything else should be in great shape.

Your nipples may also look a little different.

This probably isn't too much of a big deal for most women, but your nipples (specifically your areolas) may look darker and might even be larger than they have been in previous years.

Your skin will start telling all your secrets.

If you're not eating right, if you're super stressed out, or just not taking proper care of your skin, it will definitely show. Do a little more to take care of your skin, such as wearing sunscreen daily, drinking lots of water, and maintaining a balanced diet. Your skin will appreciate you 10 years down the line.

Also, acne may make an unwanted return.

The increase of hormones during your menstrual cycle is the main culprit, in addition to other bad habits we pick up in our 20's. To combat this uninvited visitor, just take care of your skin the best way that you can.

As if your 20's wasn't crazy enough, now you have all these body changes to look forward to as well. Good luck to you ladies!

 

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