Navigating menopause can feel like a never-ending roller coaster, with sudden dips and unexpected turns.
Many of us find ourselves wondering why we can’t just get it together, often blaming ourselves for not doing a better job managing our health.
I believe it’s time to shift the narrative and understand the powerful role ALL hormones (not just the sexy ones) play in our lives.
Why We Get This Wrong
As midlife women, we often internalize societal expectations to be perfect multitaskers, juggling careers, families, and personal health without breaking a sweat.
When things go awry, we tend to blame ourselves rather than considering the physiological changes our bodies are undergoing.
This misunderstanding leads to frequent self-criticism and a sense of failure, when in reality, the root cause might just be our dang hormones.
Why We Don’t Think It’s Our Hormones
Many of us are conditioned to believe that if we can’t manage our moods, improve our energy levels, or lose weight, it’s a reflection of our own willpower or character.
We’re told to “exercise more, eat better (or less!), and get more sleep”.
While yes, oftentimes these are important, they often ignore the underlying hormonal imbalances that could be driving our nagging symptoms.
And then we berate ourselves for not “doing better,” unaware that it’s our hormones that are wreaking havoc.
My Own Story
I used to think my mood swings were just part of my personality, my fatigue was due to lack of sleep, and my weight gain was because I was lazy and I lacked willpower.
Anxiety? I assumed it was hereditary and for the longest time I considered medication, but thank goodness I decided not to go down that route.
It never crossed my mind that my hormones could be the culprits.
But everything changed when I discovered functional and holistic health and decided to run my own functional labs.
At age 50, still experiencing menstrual cycles, albeit shorter and heavier, I was shocked when my test results revealed hormone levels typical of a post-menopausal woman!
This revelation was both surprising and liberating.
It was the catalyst for my journey to transform my health during my menopause years and beyond, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping other women who are struggling with similar issues.
What Are Hormones and Why They Matter
Hormones are chemical messengers that play a critical role in regulating our body’s functions.
They influence everything from mood, libido, brain function and energy levels to metabolism, cravings, hunger, satiety and our stress response.
The key to understanding hormones is that they do not operate in isolation. One hormone can greatly influence another.
Think of them performing as a perfectly orchestrated symphony in tune and in harmony when they are functioning at their best and most optimal.
When they’re out of balance or “disharmony”, they can cause a cascade of symptoms that affect our overall physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalances during perimenopause and menopause include:
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Weight gain/belly fat
- Anxiety/Sadness
- Irregular periods (peri-menopause, when a woman still cycles)
- Hot flashes/night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Gut issues: gas, bloating and constipation
These symptoms are NOT a reflection of our willpower or character but rather signals that our hormones are out of balance.
Essential Hormones to Watch
While sex(y) hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone get most of the attention, other hormones are equally crucial:
- Cortisol: The stress hormone, which can affect mood, energy, and weight.
- Insulin: Regulates blood sugar and fat storage. Imbalances can lead to weight gain, cravings, energy crashes and potentially chronic illness like Type 2 Diabetes if not addressed.
- Thyroid Hormones: Critical for metabolism. Imbalances can cause fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and mood changes.
Practical Tips for Hormonal Balance
- Know Your Numbers: Run regular blood lab work through your PCP, at least once/year (if not every 6 months, which I recommend to all my clients) that includes a full thyroid panel, lipid and metabolic panel, to understand all health markers, in addition to your hormone levels.
- Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-relief techniques such as walking outdoors, yoga, meditation, prayer, or deep breathing exercises.
- Balanced Diet: Eat a nutrient-dense diet rich in whole foods, plenty of colorful vegetables, some fruits, healthy fats, and adequate lean proteins.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, yoga, some HITT and strength training.
- Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize good sleep habits to ensure you’re getting quality rest.
- Functional Health Approach: Consider working with a functional health practitioner to get personalized insights, recommendations and support for long term health building success.
It’s time to stop blaming ourselves and start understanding the powerful role hormones play in our health.
By recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalances and taking proactive steps to manage them, we can reclaim our energy, joy, and well-being during menopause and beyond.
Final words of encouragement, ladies, remember, it’s not you—it’s your hormones.
