The Surprising Hormone Truth Every Woman Needs to Know
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Time to read 3 min
I Was Eating Better and Moving More… So Why Was I Still Gaining Weight?
The Surprising Hormone Truth Every Woman Needs to Know
You are trying. You are doing the things. Eating better. Moving your body. Saying no to the mindless snacks. You are showing up for yourself. But still, nothing. The weight stays. Or even creeps up. It is frustrating, confusing, and at times, completely disheartening. And here is the truth: you are not failing. Your body is simply changing and no one told you how to change with it.
For many women, especially in their 30s, 40s and beyond, traditional approaches to fat loss just stop working. That is because your hormones are shifting quietly in the background, changing how your body stores energy, builds muscle and burns fat. This is especially true in perimenopause and menopause, but it can happen even earlier thanks to stress, sleep, inflammation and life itself.
What Is Really Going On?
When key hormones like oestrogen, progesterone and insulin begin to fluctuate, your body adapts. And not always in ways you want. Here is what that can look like:
Your body holds onto fat as a protective mechanism against stress
Insulin resistance makes it harder for your body to use food as fuel
Poor sleep and inflammation slow down your metabolism
You lose muscle mass, which reduces the energy you burn at rest
In other words, your body is no longer in “let us drop fat” mode, it is in “let us survive” mode.
So, What Can You Do Instead?
This is where a more gentle, supportive, and smart approach comes in. Here is how you can shift the story:
1. Train for Your Metabolism
If you are only doing cardio, your body may be using energy but losing muscle too, and muscle is key to a strong, active metabolism. Instead, try this style of movement:
Strength based workouts with resistance bands or light weights
Low rep, high control exercises
Core focused movements to protect the lower back and improve posture
This builds lean muscle, supports insulin sensitivity and gives your metabolism a much needed lift.
2. Build Hormone Friendly Meals
It is not just about eating less. It is about eating better, and eating in a way your hormones respond well to.
Try building your plate around these four key elements:
Protein to support muscle, mood and blood sugar
Fibre rich vegetables to aid digestion and hormone clearance
Healthy fats like avocado, olive oil or seeds to support hormone production
Low GI carbs like sweet potato, lentils or quinoa to stabilise energy
This combo helps your body feel nourished and safe, which is the key to letting go of stored fat.
3. Shift Out of Overdrive
More exercise and more restriction are not always the answer. In fact, too much stress, even from doing “healthy” things, can raise cortisol, which encourages fat storage.
Instead of pushing harder, try leaning into:
Three focused strength sessions per week
Daily movement like walking or stretching
Restorative activities like yoga, reading or quiet time
Prioritising sleep as a non negotiable
When your nervous system feels calm and supported, your body is more likely to release fat.
4. Consider Testing and Support
Sometimes, even when everything feels “clean,” your body still resists. That is often a sign to look deeper. Working with a naturopath or integrative practitioner can help you:
Understand your hormone patterns (cortisol, insulin, thyroid, oestrogen)
Identify hidden inflammation or gut imbalances
Personalise your supplement routine to support healing
Think magnesium, omega 3s, B vitamins, adaptogens and digestive support, not to “fix” you, but to help your body function the way it is designed to.
You Are Not Broken. You Are Evolving.
If you feel like you are doing all the right things and still not seeing results, take a breath. You are not lazy. You are not undisciplined. You are just in a new season, and it calls for a new approach.
With the right support, structure and hormone aware strategy, your body will respond. It is not about doing more. It is about doing what works for you. You do not have to hustle harder to feel better in your skin. You just need a plan that honours where you are right now.
Start Your Transformation