Haywire hormones?
Whether it be the clothes don't quite fit the same, weight fluctuations, joint pain, mood swings or even lack of motivation and energy, it's safe to say that the women I've spoken to are confused! Why is this happening when I'm not eating any differently or exercising the same as I always have???
Let alone the stress and lack of sleep that comes along with all of this...
Given that I work predominantly with women.. I thought I’d do a bit more research behind it and share my findings.
Now you are absolutely NOT going crazy in thinking that all these changes are occurring (because they most likely are). I know it’s probably not what you want to hear, but it’s the natural physiological changes that are happening in your body that are causing these changes.
So what are they, and what can we do about them? I’m glad you asked…
HORMONES…
The chemical messengers that play a critical role in dictating our bodies function. At this 40+ age whether it be perimenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal, women’s hormones get a bit out of whack. The levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate regularly which leads to a cascade of changes in the body. For example, decreased bone density and lean muscle mass, lower sex drive and mood changes.
Physical symptoms of this stage include: sleep disturbances, headaches, weight redistribution, water retention and bloating, hot flashes, night sweats.
Emotional symptoms include: anxiety, fatigue, mental fogginess, mood swings, difficulty concentrating or multi-tasking.
These changes in hormone balance also affect another major player in weight management; our metabolism. Lower oestrogen levels contribute to a slower metabolism, as well as the natural slowing of our metabolic rate that comes with age. Hormonal changes have been linked to contributing to changes in body composition, fat accumulation and distribution. Sowhat’s the best way to keep your metabolism humming? I’ll give you a few tips -
A few things to do:
- Recognise that this may be where you are at in your life and embrace it. Your body is not the same as it was and that’s totally normal!!
- Re-evaluate: are your eating habits the same as they were 10 years ago? Your body’s metabolism naturally slows as you get older, so you’re not able to eat as much as when you were 20 and keep the same body. Maybe we need to evaluate the food!
- 30 mins of exercise 5 days a week – exercise your bones and muscles to keep them strong. Exercising will also release a regular dose of endorphins to help balance out moods and regulate stress. (Stretching and yoga help boost metabolism).
- Self-journal and track your thoughts – in the initial stages of these changes you may find it beneficial to keep track of your moods, exercise, food, sleep, digestion etc. to compare day to day. What’s helping you feel better and what’s not?
- If you feel comfortable talk to your friends about it, share stories. Everyone’s in the same boat, but everyone will experience slightly different journey’s. So learn what’s working for other people and vice a versa so you can try some new things aswell!
