The Female Body: Questions Every Gal Has About Herself

Is this normal? Am I normal? Why is this happening? These are some of the most searched phrases on search engines. Every woman has questions about herself or what is happening to her. Not only do we want to know why this is, but we also question how many others are in the same boat. 

Although we’re all individuals, most female bodies develop in a similar way. So, here are some questions that most of us have asked ourselves at some point in our lives.

1. Why are my boobs so big/so small/so lopsided? 

The amount your breasts develop, and at what age, is all down to genetics and hormones. Your breasts may develop quickly, slowly, painfully or unevenly. Some birth control pills may affect your breast size depending on the hormone levels within them. 

2. Are my breasts normal? 

Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes and they usually change a lot over your lifetime depending on weight loss, gain, pregnancy, age, breastfeeding and level of support. No two breasts are alike, even your own. When breastfeeding, one breast will usually produce more milk than the other. 

We all know that we are supposed to check our breasts once a month, but what is normal and what is abnormal? How do I do a self breast check? Be breast aware and follow these simple steps. If you think there is something unusual, see your health practitioner for a more thorough exam. 

1. In the shower on lying on your back, lift your arm up and rest on your head. Relax.
3. With your other hand, apply medium-firm pressure and check your entire breast and armpit. You are looking for anything that is lumpy, painful or unusual. 
4. Check your breasts in the mirror for any redness or changes, and also check your nipple for discharge.

3. What is my body type and what is the somatotype theory? 

Dr. Sheldon introduced the concept in the 40s. Some general classifications are listed below. Usually you will be an overall percentage of each of the 3 below depending on different testing methods to ascertain your personal diet and exercise regime. 

Physical traits of the Ectomorph

• Hard to gain muscle
• Slender frame
• Narrow shoulders and hips
• Very fast metabolism

Physical traits of the Mesomorph

• Medium build, rectangular/wedge body shape
• Wide broad shoulders
• Fairly lean with a hard body
• Can gain muscle easily

Physical traits of the Endomorph

• Usually short in height 
• Difficult to lose body fat
• Bulky physique, round body
• Can gain both fat and muscle easily

4. How can I speed up or slow down my metabolism?

People with faster metabolism usually have less bloating, better digestion, more energy, are more able to control their  weight, less moody and have clearer skin. So, how do you get a faster metabolism? A few simple steps are to:

• Wake up at the same time each day
• Do some exercise 
• Eat breakfast 
• Stay active or moving throughout the day 
• Have some snacks
• Eat your last meal 3 hours before bed 
• Have 8 hours sleep a night

If you are having trouble gaining weight because your metabolism is too high – you can slow it down by not eating proper meals, drinking carbonated drinks, having a sedentary lifestyle and cutting out protein. 

5. Why do I have these skin conditions?

It’s a lovely diverse world when you’ve got adult acne, rosacea, wrinkles, an oily t-zone combined with dry patchy skin. Those lovely things called hormones that are so difficult to measure and control are the invisible warriors partly responsible for the very visible changes of our skin. Other factors include sun, allergies, stress, genetics, cleanliness, exercise, diet and age. 

Our skin is our largest organ and battles the world around us. Basically, if you eat a healthy diet with regular exercise, water consumption and a cleansing routine — your skin should thank you. 

Some other unknown issues such as stress and hormone imbalances can be accredited to disgruntled skin. 

If you’re still not happy then you can consult your health care practitioner for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

6. Why do I lose my hair at different stages of my cycle or different times of the year?

Everyone is different and some days you may feel like you’re malting and other days you feel like the lion king. If you are not eating right, stressed, allergic, sick or have a hormone imbalance — your hair may be more susceptible to falling out. Hormone changes often result in hair issues which is why these can occur at the same time of the month for some. 

7. Why can my friends eat cabbage and not be affected whereas if I do, I need my own room for 4 hours?

You are what you eat, right? Your digestive tract starts working even before you take that first bite, as your brain triggers your mouth to produce enzymes (salivating much?) that break down your food. 

There are so many variables around your digestive tract, such as the amount of saliva, time spent chewing, size of bites, what you’ve eaten before, size of meal, length of small intestine and predisposed effect of these foods, specifically for your body. 

If you’re sick and tired of your bad digestion, try some of these tips: 

• Drink plenty of water 
• Eat a high fibre diet 
• Eat a varied diet 
• Add prebiotics and probiotics to your diet
• Follow a FODMAP diet
• Limit foods that are high in fat 
• Eat on schedule 
• Limit your caffeine, nicotine and alcohol
• Manage your stress

8. Why does she always beat me? 

It’s not size, weight or muscle mass that determines if you’re a better athlete. This is due to genetics and training, or is it? 

7 kids in one row that all do the same amount of training but someone always wins and loses. This is because of genetics and other contributing factors such as stress, diet, drive, trauma and sleep, which all play a part. 

What makes someone fast or a good shot? That random thing called drive is the unmeasurable one and always confuses the marketing gurus around the globe.

9. Why do I sweat so much? Why is my sweat stinky? 

Stress, diet and genetics play a vital role in sweat production. As does the activity you are doing, what you’re wearing and personal hygiene. 

Breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo and hemp may help as they naturally inhibit bacterial growth. The bacteria present on your skin when you sweat can turn your sweat acidic and this is why it smells. If you eat spicy foods, unhealthy foods or have consumed alcohol or drugs, your sweat is more likely to have an odour. 

10. Why can’t I remember certain things? 

Drive is responsible for athletes winning and this drive also determines your ability to learn. There are certain foods that stimulate memory retention and other factors too, but if your drive to learn is not there, then your memory will suffer. 

Short and long term memory is affected by a number of factors — diet, sleep, genetics, trauma and stress. Sleep is arguably the most important. So much so, that studies now indicate that lack of good REM sleep causes brain deterioration and memory loss. Other factors that contribute to memory loss and lack or learning ability is alcohol, sedatives and other drugs. So, lay off the booze and grab your blankie. 

11. Why do some people have straight teeth and others have wonky teeth? 

This is all dependent on genetics or habits you had as a baby, e.g. sucking on a dummy or your thumb for too long. The amount of enamel on your teeth is predetermined when you are in the womb, so hopefully your mum and grandmother had good teeth and a healthy. The colour of the enamel can vary naturally, other factors such as hygiene, water consumption and other staining mechanisms such as nicotine, caffeine and red wine can have a huge impact.

12. Why am I sometimes in a good mood and sometimes not? 

Your mood is dependent on a lot of different factors. If the sun is shining then this can make you happy and others very irritable. The food you eat at certain times can also dictate your mood. If you can figure out what ticks you off, make a note and decide if you’re willing to make that sacrifice — when oreos are being handed out, for instance. 

The weather, your sleep, your diet, your hormones and a lot of other factors can contribute to your mood. Figure out what annoys you and make a list. Also remember that it’s okay and completely normal to be in a bad mood sometimes. This only makes the good moods better. 

The list can go on and on but I’ve run out of blogging space. If you have any particular questions that you would like to add, please do so in the comments below. 

Everyone is different, but many of us experience the same struggles. Be patient, talk it out and trust that this too shall pass. Life is a journey or a highway, or whatever. 

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Disclaimer: SugarCandy does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.