The body changes as time goes by – especially for women. These changes may be due to physical, mental, or emotional. Here are the four body changes that a woman may experience in her 30s.
1. The skin is more prone to dryness
Skin cell turnover slows down to a rate of 28 to 35 days. That means that the dead cells take longer to get replaced, and retaining moisture in the face can become a challenge.
"It takes longer for the top layer of the skin to slough off, giving a more dull and dry quality," said dermatologist Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, a clinical instructor at NYU Langone and Mount Sinai. "Furthermore, production of hydrating factors in the skin such as hyaluronic acid slows down and breaks down increases."
2. Periods may slightly change
Most women may not experience any major menstrual changes until their 40s. However, there are certain factors (such as perimenopause or hormonal fluctuations) that can trigger period irregularities or even pain during the preceding decade. Endometriosis can also be common in this age group, while other women tend to have less painful periods after having a baby.
"This is usually because the cervix has expanded and will allow for blood to flow with less need for uterine contractions," said Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert at Maple Holistics.
3. Increased susceptibility to weight gain
The major risk factors in contributing weight gain include eating out more often, losing baby weight, and sitting for long periods at work. According to Brunilda Nazario, associate medical director at WebMD, metabolism may show subtle signs of slowing down in your late 20s, but this can become even more apparent when you are well into your 30s.
4. Bone mass begins to reduce gradually
Aging can lead to a natural decline in bone mass - which peaks during your 20s. This loss can increase the risk for people of developing osteoporosis. Because of smaller bones and hormonal factors, women are generally more susceptible to it than men. That's why it is very important to consume enough calcium in your diet and take up bone strengthening exercises (weight-lifting, cycling, Tai Chi). A recent report reminded people that walking is not enough to keep muscles and bones healthy if strengthening exercises are neglected.