30+ back jokes are some of the most viral tweets on Twitter. Everyone knows that turning 30 changes your body but I wanted to know how it affected women specifically.  I made a call for 30+ Nigerian women to share some of the ways their body changed when they turned 30. Here’s what five of them have to say. 

Kissu, 35

I have not been able to shed weight as fast as I used to. I now deal with ovulation pain that was never there before, and it hurts like crazy. Also, I get these long stretches of time where I am super horny — I call it my heat period. I read that it’s my ‘biological clock’ screaming for babies

Oby, 33

The first thing I noticed was that my metabolism slowed. I used to be able to eat a lot and not add any weight but now I can stay without eating for two days and I will still add weight. My knees started hurting. I could be squatting for three minutes and standing up would be a problem. 

I’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, so my periods always hurt. It was bad before 30, but it’s worse now. I used to be able to ease the pain with one or two tablets of Felvin

but now I could take a pack in a day. I also have irritable bowel syndrome so I am always bloated. My favourite part about my 30s is that my curves became very pronounced. I also became more comfortable with my sexuality. I started saying that I used my 20s to do trial and error to figure out what my body needs. Now, 30+ sex means if it’s not giving me orgasms, then I’m not doing it. 

Abigail, 34

I birthed my first child when I was 30. I went from a size 6 to size 14. I developed hypo-pigmentation — loss of melanin on some parts of my skin and a pain in my back that never leaves. I also lost my hair and had to cut off my beautiful long locs. When I go out to have drinks and have fun, it takes two full days to recover.

Jolie, 34

When I turned 30, I found out I had hypothyroidism — a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This means I can’t eat certain foods. I became lactose intolerant. Constipation became a regular thing. I stopped ovulating and have to be on medications forever. I had to start a diet plan and eat out less except I want to reward myself on some days.

Atinuke, 34

When I was younger, I lost weight faster. I could eat one meal a day for six months and I would lose weight. Now if I like I don’t eat for six months, nothing is going anywhere. I also noticed I get tired easily. I have a sedentary lifestyle because of my work yet at the end of a day, I feel as if I’ve been on my feet all day. When I work for a few hours, I need to take a break unlike before where I could go long stretches of time working.

For more women-centred content, click here

OUR MISSION

Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.