Understanding the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance: What Every Woman Over 40 Should Know
Ah, hormones.
It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot, especially as we get older, but how often do we actually stop to think about what’s really going on with our hormones, or the function they serve in our body?
And as much as we make jokes about being “hormonal,” how do you actually KNOW whether your hormones are out of whack?
And even if you suspect there’s something going on, what are you supposed to do about it?
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The truth is that for women over 40, hormones are a big deal.
And yet most of us don’t really know all that much about them, what they do, or how to even recognize the signs that something is amiss.
So in this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into all things hormones–and specifically the big signs of hormonal imbalance that you might have missed, along with what you can actually do about it.
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you are struggling, wondering if your body has betrayed you or wondering if there is anything you can do to just be “normal” again.
Believe me, I GET it.
For me, it wasn’t until I decided to do some real research into the science of weight loss, and into why we gain weight in the first place, that I started to find some answers that changed everything for me. And one of the biggest revelations for me was learning about hormones.
You see, hormones are chemical messengers that control many processes in our body. And when they get out of whack, it can have a huge impact on our health and well-being.
As women especially, we experience a lot of hormonal changes throughout our lives–from puberty to pregnancy to menopause. So it’s pretty common for us all to experience hormonal imbalances at some point.
And honestly, as I studied and researched, what I discovered SHOCKED me because it is SO different than everything we’ve ever been told.
Because as it turns out, the thing that regulates our weight ISN’T counting calories. It’s hormones.
And so, for me, as I started to change the way I ate in a way that restored balance to my hormones and reversed insulin resistance, the weight I had tried so hard to lose just started to come off. Without dieting. Without drugs. And without making myself miserable. I lost 40 pounds in six months, and for the first time EVER I didn’t just gain it all right back. I’ve easily maintained that weight loss for years now.
And let me tell you friends, after struggling with this for SO LONG, it felt—and still does feel—like FREEDOM.
It’s why I’m SO freaking passionate about this work. It’s why I started Thinlicious and this website. Because I can’t help but want to share it, and to help other women over 40 create FREEDOM in their lives by transforming their health. I like to think of it as starting a HEALTH REVOLUTION, and that’s really what we here at Thinlicious are all about.
It’s about the freedom to feel your best. The freedom to NOT be controlled by food addictions ever again. And the freedom to confidently pursue all your big goals and dreams because your health and weight issues are no longer holding you back.
And if that gets you excited, then you’ll probably like it here! We are health REBELS, and we’re not afraid to question the status quo or do things a little differently. We’re not looking for a quick fix, but a real, sustainable lifestyle change that will actually work for the long haul.
And if that’s your goal, then you’re in the right place.
And by the way, if you are brand new to Thinlicious in general, but you want to learn more about how our program can help you lose weight and get healthy FOR LIFE without dieting or drugs, then I’d love to invite you to join me for my next free workshop!
If you’ve never joined me for a live workshop, you should know they’re always really fun and JAM PACKED with valuable info–seriously, you’ll want to take so many notes! Plus you can ask all your questions and get any answers you need in real time.
To get all the info and get signed up, just go to https://thinlicious.com/newworkshop Hopefully I’ll see you there.
But in the meantime, let’s tackle a topic that is SO SO SO important for women especially as we get older, but one that even in this day and age still gets overlooked and ignored and totally misunderstood.
HORMONES, and specifically hormonal imbalance.
What are hormones & why are they important?
So first things first, what exactly ARE hormones?
Well, hormones are basically chemical messengers that are produced by different glands in your body, and they travel through your bloodstream to different tissues and organs, where they help regulate all sorts of different processes, from metabolism to growth to fertility to mood and so much more. They are literally what controls and regulates pretty much everything that happens in your body.
And because of this, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s so important to have a healthy hormonal system. When your hormones are working the way they’re supposed to, everything in your body is in balance and working together the way it should. You have energy and vitality, your metabolism is functioning properly, you’re able to sleep well, your skin looks good, your digestion is working the way it should, and you feel good. And when your hormones are out of whack, the exact opposite is true. You feel tired and sluggish, you have a hard time losing weight, your skin breaks out, you have trouble sleeping, and you just don’t feel like yourself.
And the reality is that most of us are walking around with imbalanced hormones and we don’t even realize it. We just think that all these symptoms are a normal part of getting older, or that they’re just something we have to deal with. We don’t realize that there are things we can do to actually heal our hormones and get our bodies back in balance.
And that’s REALLY what I want to dive into in this post. But before we get into that, I think it’s also important to understand a little bit about how your hormones actually work, and what can cause them to get out of balance in the first place.
How do hormones work?
Like I said, your hormones are produced by different glands in your body, and they travel through your bloodstream to different tissues and organs, where they help regulate different processes. And the way this works is that your hormones are all interconnected in what’s known as the endocrine system. That means that they all work together in a very delicate balance, and when one hormone is out of whack, it can throw the whole system off.
There are a lot of things that can cause this delicate balance to get thrown off. Things like stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and even environmental toxins can all have a big impact on your hormones. And for women, things like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can also have a big impact. In fact, women’s hormones are constantly changing, and that’s why we’re so much more likely to have issues with hormonal imbalances than men are.
The other thing that’s important to understand is that when your hormones are out of balance, it can have a big impact on your health in a lot of different ways. Since your hormones regulate pretty much everything in your body, when they’re not working the way they’re supposed to, it can cause all sorts of problems, from weight gain to fatigue to depression and anxiety.
And these are just a few examples. Hormonal imbalances can affect everything from your skin to your digestion to your libido. Fun times, right?
And just in case you’re curious about what kind of hormonal imbalances are most common for women over 40, they typically include the following:
- Thyroid dysfunction, specifically hypothyroidism, where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
- Insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. It affects how the body processes sugar and can result in significant weight gain and energy dips. The scary news is that over 85% of the American population has some level of insulin resistance.
- Cortisol imbalance is another big one, often related to chronic stress. Elevated cortisol levels can wreak havoc on your body, causing everything from poor sleep to increased abdominal fat.
- Additionally, there are sex hormone imbalances, such as low estrogen, progesterone, or even testosterone — yes, in women– that can seriously impact mood, energy levels, and even cognitive function.
And while there are other hormones that impact us as well, such as leptin and ghrelin, those tend to be the biggies.
But it’s important to understand too that ALL of our hormones are part of an interconnected network in our body known as the endocrine system, which means that they all work together. That also means that if ONE of your hormones is out of whack, then the others will likely be disrupted as well.
That’s why hormonal balance is so important.
5 signs you have a hormone imbalance
With that in mind, let’s look at about some of the most common signs that your hormones may be out of whack.
Sign #1: You’re struggling to lose weight
The first and probably most obvious sign that your hormones may be out of balance is that you’re struggling to lose weight, even when you’re doing all the right things. And this is especially true if you’re a woman over 40, because that’s when our hormones really start to change and it can have a big impact on our ability to lose weight.
But the reality is that when your hormones are out of balance, it can make it nearly impossible to lose weight.
Hormones like insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones play crucial roles in how your body stores and uses fat. Insulin, for example, helps regulate blood sugar levels, but when it’s consistently high, it can promote fat storage. Elevated cortisol, often a result of stress, can also lead to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.
On the flip side, if your thyroid hormones are low, your metabolism can slow down, making it harder to burn calories. So, if you’re suddenly finding it hard to manage your weight, your hormones might be staging a rebellion!
Essentially all of your hormones play a big role in regulating your metabolism and how your body stores and burns fat. And when your hormones are not working the way they’re supposed to, it can cause your metabolism to slow down, and it can make it really hard for your body to burn fat, no matter how few calories you’re eating or how much you’re exercising.
So if you’ve been struggling to lose weight, and it just feels like an uphill battle, even though you’re doing all the right things, then there’s a good chance that your hormones may be out of whack.
Sign #2: You’re constantly tired and fatigued
The second sign that your hormones may be out of whack is that you’re constantly tired and fatigued, no matter how much sleep you get. And this is a big one, because so many of us just think that fatigue is a normal part of our busy, modern lives. We think that it’s just something we have to deal with. But the reality is that if you’re feeling tired and fatigued all the time, it’s probably a sign that something is not right with your hormones.
Hormonal imbalances can lead to relentless fatigue for a number of reasons. For example, imbalances in thyroid hormones can slow down your metabolism, leaving you feeling sluggish and drained.
And if your cortisol levels are either too high or too low, your body’s natural energy rhythms get disrupted, making it hard to feel rested no matter how much sleep you get.
Likewise, low levels of progesterone and estrogen can also contribute to this sense of exhaustion, affecting your mood and energy levels. So, if you’re constantly tired despite your best efforts, it might not just be life grinding you down—it could be your hormones crying out for attention.
All in all, your hormones play a big role in regulating your energy levels and your sleep-wake cycle. And when your hormones are out of balance, it can have a big impact on both of these things. It can make it hard for you to get a good night’s sleep, and it can also cause you to feel tired and fatigued throughout the day.
So if you’re struggling with fatigue, and it just feels like you can never get enough sleep, then that’s a big sign that your hormones may be out of whack.
Sign #3: You’re experiencing brain fog and memory loss
The third sign that your hormones may be out of whack is that you’re experiencing brain fog and memory loss. And this is something that a lot of us just write off as a normal part of getting older, but it’s not. It’s a sign that something is not right with your hormones.
That’s because your hormones play a big role in regulating your brain function and cognitive abilities. And when your hormones are out of balance, it can have a big impact on things like your memory, focus, and mental clarity. It can also cause you to experience brain fog, which is that feeling of not being able to think clearly or remember things.
So if you’re struggling with brain fog and memory loss, and it just feels like you can’t think clearly, then that’s a big sign that your hormones may be out of whack.
Sign #4: You’re experiencing mood swings, anxiety, or depression
The fourth sign that your hormones may be out of whack is that you’re experiencing mood swings, anxiety, or depression. And this is a big one, because so many of us just think that these things are a normal part of being a woman. We think that it’s just something we have to deal with. But the reality is that if you’re experiencing severe mood swings, anxiety, or depression, it’s probably a sign that something is not right with your hormones.
That’s because your hormones play a big role in regulating your mood and emotions. And when your hormones are out of balance, it can have a big impact on things like serotonin and dopamine, which are the “feel good” chemicals in your brain. It can also cause you to have too much cortisol, which is the stress hormone, and that can lead to anxiety and depression.
So if you’re struggling with mood swings, anxiety, or depression, then that’s a big sign that your hormones may be out of whack.
Sign #5: You’re experiencing other hormonal symptoms
And then finally, the fifth sign that your hormones may be out of whack is that you’re experiencing other hormonal symptoms, like irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, or PMS. And this is a big one, because a lot of us just think that these things are a normal part of being a woman, or that they’re just something we have to deal with. But the reality is that if you’re experiencing a lot of these symptoms, it’s probably a sign that something is not right with your hormones.
That’s because all of these things are signs that your hormones are changing and fluctuating, and that they may be out of balance. And when your hormones are out of balance, it can have a big impact on all of these things. It can make your periods more irregular, or cause you to have really bad PMS. It can also cause you to have hot flashes and night sweats, and all of these things can lead to a lot of other symptoms, like trouble sleeping and fatigue.
So if you’re experiencing a lot of these other hormonal symptoms, then that’s a big sign that your hormones may be out of whack.
How to start healing your hormones
So those are the five most common signs that your hormones may be out of whack. And if you’re anything like me, then you’re probably sitting there nodding your head, because I’ve literally experienced ALL of these things at one time or another.
And the good news is that there is a lot you can do to start healing your hormones and getting your body back in balance. It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight, but with time and patience, you can start to see some real changes in your body and in how you feel.
But the first step is just being aware of these signs, and understanding that they are not something you just have to deal with. They are a sign that something is not right with your body, and that your hormones may be out of balance. And that’s a good thing, because it means that there is something you can actually DO about it
And with that in mind, I want to share a little bit about some of the things you can start doing to heal your hormones and get your body back in balance. These are all things that I have personally done, and that I know have made a big difference for me and for so many other women.
So let’s dive in.
Change your diet
The first and probably most important thing you can do to start healing your hormones is to change your diet.
And I know that probably sounds a little bit obvious, but what you eat plays a significant role in keeping your hormones in check. Think of it as giving your body the right kind of fuel to keep everything running smoothly.
The reality is that for most of us, the standard American diet is not doing us any favors when it comes to hormones. All the processed foods and sugar and vegetable oils that we eat on a regular basis are wreaking havoc on our hormonal system, and causing all sorts of imbalances.
So the first step is to cut out all that crap and start eating a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods.
But close behind it, the second step is to break your sugar addiction. You simply MUST cut out sugar and carbs for your body to start healing and your hormones to begin to regulate themselves again.
But beyond that, eating healthy protein– yes, especially red meat– also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn keeps insulin in balance. Oily fish, rich in healthy fats (like salmon) can help reduce inflammation and support hormonal health.
Likewise, healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, are fantastic for hormone production because they provide the building blocks your body needs.
The important thing to remember is that everything that goes in your body counts… either to help your hormones or to disrupt them. Eating isn’t just about filling your belly. It’s also about helping your hormones support your body in the best way possible.
I know that can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re used to eating a lot of processed foods. So my best advice is to just take it one step at a time. Start by cutting out the most obvious offenders, like sugar and vegetable oils. And then start adding in more nutrient-dense foods, like leafy greens, healthy fats, and high quality protein. And don’t be afraid to experiment with new foods and new recipes. Eating healthy should be delicious and fun!
If you need a little extra help with this, then our TAS program is a great option. It’s literally designed specifically to help women over 40 not just lose weight, but to actually balance your hormones, reverse insulin resistance, and heal your gut. Not only that, it will help you change your relationship with food in a way that is sustainable for the long term.
But whether you decide to join TAS or not, changing your diet is definitely the first and most important step you can take to start healing your hormones.
Reduce your stress
The second thing you can do to start healing your hormones is to reduce your stress. I know that probably sounds a little bit easier said than done, especially in this day and age when we’re all so busy and overwhelmed. But the reality is that stress has a HUGE impact on your hormones, and it’s something that can really throw your whole system out of whack if you’re not careful.
That’s because when you’re stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol, which is often referred to as the “stress hormone.” And while a little bit of cortisol is totally normal and healthy, when you’re constantly stressed, your body is producing too much of it, and that can have a big impact on your other hormones.
It can cause your metabolism to slow down, and it can also lead to weight gain, especially in your midsection. It can also throw your other hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, out of balance.
And for a lot of women, that’s what causes a lot of the other symptoms we talked about, like fatigue and mood swings and PMS.
So if you’re serious about healing your hormones, then you’ve got to find a way to reduce your stress. And like I said, I know that’s easier said than done, but there are a lot of little things you can do to start managing your stress better, like practicing mindfulness and meditation, getting enough sleep, and prioritizing self-care.
Exercise regularly
The third thing you can do to start healing your hormones is to exercise regularly. And again, I know that probably sounds a little bit obvious, but the truth is that regular exercise has a huge impact on your hormonal health.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that can help reduce stress and boost your mood. It also helps regulate insulin levels and support proper hormone production.
And it doesn’t have to be anything crazy or extreme – in fact, it actually SHOULDN’T be something crazy or extreme, because that will only stress your body and raise your cortisol.
So things like walking in a beautiful park or doing some gentle yoga can make a big difference. The key is to find something you enjoy and can stick with on a regular basis.
Sleep well
The fourth thing you can do to start healing your hormones is to prioritize getting enough quality sleep. And I know that for many women, especially those going through menopause, sleep can be elusive. But the truth is that lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can have a major impact on your hormonal balance.
When you don’t get enough sleep, it disrupts your body’s natural hormone production and leads to imbalances that can cause all sorts of symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, and low energy.
Quality sleep is like the golden ticket to managing stress and keeping your hormones happy. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Easier said than done, right? But there are actually a lot of things you can do to get better sleep, and I’ve even recorded a whole podcast episode with tips, so go listen to that after you’re done reading this post.
Conclusion and Call to Action
So to wrap it all up, the issues you are currently experiencing, like fatigue, weight gain, pain and inflammation, and skin issues, are probably signs of hormonal imbalance.
And while hormonal imbalance is incredibly COMMON, especially as we get older, doesn’t mean it’s NORMAL, or that there’s nothing you can do about it.
There’s actually a LOT you can do.
Change your diet. Eliminate stress. Get more exercise. Get more sleep.
Simple things that become even more important as we get older.
So the only question that remains is, what are YOU going to do about it?
(Let us help! Sign up for the next LIVE training here and come away with a plan for your next steps.)
