It's Not You, it's Your Hormones

Ever feel like your body has suddenly switched to a whole new rulebook - without telling you?

One day, your usual routine is working just fine, and the next, it’s like your metabolism packed its bags and left town 👋🧳✈️.

If you’re wondering, “Why aren’t the things I used to do working anymore?!” - you’re not alone. And no, you’re not imagining it.

Your body is changing, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Let’s talk about what’s really going on and - more importantly - what you can do about it.

As we move through our 40s and beyond, estrogen levels start to decline, and with that comes a whole host of unwelcome changes:

🔥 A slower metabolism – Your body now burns fewer calories than it did before. Not fair, I know.

🔥 Hot flashes and night sweats – Because why wouldn’t our bodies want to wake us up at 2 a.m. like a broken thermostat?

🔥 Loss of muscle mass – Leading to a slower metabolism and possible weight gain.

🔥 Changes in fat storage – Hello, extra belly fat!🔥 Increased inflammation and joint pain – Just to make moving extra fun.

🔥 Decreased bone density – Because apparently, our skeletons want in on the action, too.

And while hormones do play a big role, they aren’t the only factor. Stress, poor sleep and a general decrease in activity levels also contribute to the changes we’re experiencing.

So, what can we do? Because hiding under a blanket with a pint of ice cream (while tempting!) isn’t the answer. 

1️⃣ Nutrition: Eating for This Season of Life

Your body doesn’t need as much fuel as it did in your 20s and 30s, so portion sizes and food choices matter more than ever. It’s time to be mindful of what, how much and why you’re eating. 

2️⃣ Strength Training: Your Metabolism’s Best Friend

Lifting weights isn’t just about getting stronger (though that’s a great perk). Strength training helps:

💪 Preserve and build muscle (which keeps your metabolism humming)

💪 Increase bone density (goodbye, brittle bones!)

💪 Improve posture, balance, and stability

💪 Lower blood pressure and boost your mood

💪 Give you the confidence that comes from feeling strong 

3️⃣ Self-Care: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury - it’s essential. Stress, lack of sleep and feeling alone in your struggles can all make it harder to manage weight, balance hormones and feel your best.

✨ Manage stress – Chronic stress increases cortisol (a.k.a. the “hang on to belly fat” hormone). Finding ways to unwind - whether it’s deep breathing, journaling or a daily walk - can make a big difference.

😴 Prioritize sleep – Poor sleep messes with hunger hormones, energy levels and recovery. Creating a relaxing nighttime routine and aiming for 7-9 hours of rest can help reset your system.

🤝 Build a support system – You don’t have to do this alone! Surrounding yourself with people who understand what you’re going through makes the journey easier (and a lot more fun).

Look, we can’t control everything about this phase of life (wouldn’t that be nice?), but we can take charge of our habits. And when we do, we gain not just a healthier body but also a renewed sense of control and confidence.