If you’re over 45 and starting to feel “off”, more tired, more irritable, less in control of your body, you’re not alone. What many women don’t realize is that hormonal changes can begin years before menopause. And they can disrupt everything from your mood to your metabolism.
The good news? These symptoms are signals, not life sentences.
Here are 5 common signs of hormonal imbalance—and how to start healing.
1. You’re always tired, no matter how much you sleep
Chronic fatigue is one of the most overlooked signs of hormone dysfunction. When cortisol (your stress hormone) or thyroid hormones are imbalanced, your
energy flatlines. If you’re waking up tired or crashing mid-day, your adrenals may need support.
2. You’re gaining weight, especially around the belly
When oestrogen, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol aren’t working in harmony, fat storage increases especially in the midsection. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about your body protecting itself from perceived stress.
3. Your mood feels unpredictable
If you swing between feeling anxious, irritable, or low for “no reason,” that could be oestrogen dominance, low progesterone, or poor blood sugar balance. Hormones affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, so mental health and hormonal health are deeply linked.
4. Your periods have changed
Heavy, painful, or irregular periods can be early signs of perimenopause or imbalances like low progesterone or high oestrogen. If your cycle has changed in the last few years, it’s worth exploring what’s going on under the surface.
5. You feel like a foggy version of yourself
Brain fog, forgetfulness, and low drive are not just signs of burnout, they’re also tied to thyroid issues, low oestrogen, and chronic stress. The brain and body are deeply interconnected through hormones.
What You Can Do About It:
- Start tracking your symptoms and your cycle
- Prioritise blood sugar balance with whole foods and protein-rich meals
- Support sleep and stress management first—it impacts all hormones
- Get guidance from someone who can look at the whole picture.
As a health coach and pharmacist, I work with women every day who are ready to stop masking symptoms and start restoring their body’s balance naturally.
Inner Meadow: Holistic Hormone Health Coaching 
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