Our bodies change over time and so do our hormone levels. Women in their 40s may experience hormonal issues and imbalances that can cause fatigue, weight gain or loss, sleep disturbances, muscle weakness, sweating, dry skin, increased thirst and hunger and depression. Talking to your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing is important and they can do tests, give guidance and recommend treatments or lifestyle changes that can help.
Staying on top of hormonal health is also essential and to do that, registered dietitian Amy Goodson recommends 40-something women do these things:
- Get adequate sleep - That means seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each and every night. Creating an ideal sleep environment and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help.
- Manage stress - Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your day-to-day life, as well as throw your hormones off balance. Deep breathing exercises, meditation and favorite hobbies can help keep stress levels low, and so can making time for self-care activities.
- Eat a balanced diet - Goodson says this includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats, as well as foods high in phytoestrogens like soy, flaxseeds and legumes, which may help balance estrogen levels.
- Get regular exercise - It’s important to your overall health, as well as your hormones. “Exercise can help regulate hormone production, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote overall well-being,” Goodson explains. “Aim for a combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training and flexibility exercises for a well-rounded fitness routine.”
- Maintain a healthy weight - This is even more important as you get older, which is when women tend to accumulate extra body fat round the middle. This can cause higher estrogen levels, which can lead to hormonal imbalances.
Source: Eat This, Not That
Scott's Thoughts:
- Many women want to sleep that much every night, but our hormones won’t let them!
- Men have their own set of issues to deal with as well.