A real look at hormonal health in your 40s.
As much as I hate to admit it, something definitely starts to shift for many women after 40—sometimes even earlier. It’s not just physical; it’s emotional, hormonal, and, honestly, a little humbling. For me, it’s been tough because these changes can feel like they’re giving away your age, and in a world that glamorizes youth, that’s hard to accept.
I know 41 isn’t old, but when society praises wrinkle-free faces and size-two waists, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. Still, I take inspiration from women—especially those over 50—who are aging beautifully and unapologetically. That’s the energy I want to channel. The perfect example is Salma Hayek who is one of the most beautiful 58 year olds in the world. She is classy and healthy who claims to never have done any botox or filler and looks stunning.
Some of the biggest changes I’ve noticed are unexpected weight gain, constant sluggishness, and a dip in my self-esteem. I’m honestly tired of feeling out of sync with my body. Lately, I’ve been pushing myself to create small habits that help me feel grounded—like waking up earlier, sipping a calming tea, taking a refreshing shower, doing a little glam, and heading to the gym. These steps might seem simple, but they’re helping me reconnect with the best version of myself.
Right now, I’m focused on reaching my aesthetic goals—feeling strong, confident, and balanced in my body. I’m working hard to support my hormones naturally with a plant-based diet, consistent movement, and grounding practices like journaling and meditation.
Diet plays a huge roll on your hormonal balance.
Emphasize protein (for steady energy and hormone production) and healthy fats (for hormone synthesis and satiety). Fiber-rich foods support gut health and help regulate hormones like insulin.
Limit Added Sugars: High sugar intake contributes to insulin resistance and disrupts hormonal equilibrium . Cutting back on sweets and refined carbs can steady blood sugar and reduce issues like acne and mood swings.
Eat Your Greens (and Seeds): Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) help metabolize estrogen; flax and pumpkin seeds provide phytoestrogens and nutrients that may ease PMS symptoms.
Don’t Skip Meals (and Don’t Overeat): Skipping meals can cause blood sugar crashes (stressing adrenals), while overeating, especially junk food, spikes insulin. Aim for regular, balanced meals to keep hormones stable.
Hydration & Caffeine: Stay hydrated to support metabolic processes. Note that excess caffeine can increase cortisol – moderation is key, or try swapping that second coffee for herbal tea.
Hormones are chemical messengers that influence everything from mood and energy to appetite and metabolism . Keeping them in balance is crucial for overall health. Rebalance hormones naturally through nutrition, exercise, stress management, and holistic remedies.
This journey has taught me that beauty isn’t just about how you look—it’s how you feel in your own skin. And that starts from within.
I hope you enjoyed this post. For questions or comments, please feel free to email me at audrey@labeautyguide.com