10 Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Midlife and How It Affects Your Weight

Hot flushes, weight gain, mood swings… most women expect some hormonal changes in midlife

But what if the symptoms you’re experiencing go beyond the usual suspects?

Maybe it’s more frequent thrush, a drop in libido, vaginal dryness or discomfort that seems to come out of nowhere, and keeps coming back.

Hormonal imbalances in midlife can affect everything from your energy and metabolism to your intimate health.

Let’s explore the top 10 signs to look out for, and what your body might be trying to tell you.

1. You’re Gaining Weight, Especially Around Your Middle

One of the most common signs of midlife hormone shifts is stubborn weight gain, particularly around the belly. As oestrogen levels decline, your body becomes more insulin-resistant, which can increase fat storage and make it harder to shift weight with diet and exercise alone.

2. Your Libido Has Dropped

While it’s normal for libido to fluctuate, a persistent lack of interest in sex can be linked to hormonal changes, especially lower oestrogen or testosterone. These shifts can also lead to vaginal dryness or discomfort, making intimacy less enjoyable, something few women feel comfortable talking about.

3. You’re Constantly Tired, Even After a Full Night’s Sleep

If you’re waking up feeling exhausted, it could be more than just stress. Imbalanced cortisol, thyroid hormones or fluctuating progesterone and oestrogen can all leave you feeling flat, wired-but-tired or like your energy tank is never full.

4. Vaginal Dryness or Discomfort is Disrupting Daily Life

Lower oestrogen levels can cause the vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier and more prone to irritation or tearing. This can lead to:

• Itching, burning or soreness

• Discomfort during exercise or sex

• Increased risk of recurrent thrush or bacterial vaginosis

And it’s not just physical. Vaginal dryness can deeply affect confidence, relationships and quality of life.

5. You’ve Noticed More UTIs or Infections “Down There”

Your vaginal microbiome is closely tied to your hormone levels. As oestrogen declines, the levels of protective Lactobacillus can drop leading to more frequent:

• UTI's, Interstitial Cystitis or bladder irritation

• Bacterial vaginosis

• Yeast infections like thrush

If you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of antibiotics and discomfort, it’s worth investigating your hormones and microbiome.

6. Mood Swings or Low Motivation Have Crept In

Feeling more irritable, tearful or anxious than usual? Fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels can affect your brain chemistry, especially serotonin and dopamine. You may feel flat, overwhelmed or like you’ve lost your spark.

7. You Feel Bloated, Puffy or Puffy-Faced

Water retention, sluggish digestion and bloating can all be signs that your hormones are out of sync. Oestrogen dominance, thyroid issues or inflammation can all contribute.

8. Your Sleep Is Broken or Unrefreshing

Waking up at 3am and struggling to fall back asleep? This is a hallmark of midlife hormone shifts, especially falling progesterone or rising cortisol. Poor sleep makes everything feel harder, from cravings to mood to motivation. Prioritise your sleep with these lifestyle tips.

9. You Have Brain Fog or Struggle to Concentrate

That fuzzy, forgetful feeling isn’t just “mum brain.” Oestrogen plays a vital role in brain function and memory. Many women in perimenopause find themselves struggling with focus, word recall and clarity.

10. Your Periods Have Changed

You might expect your periods to stop suddenly, but perimenopause is often a slow transition. Look out for changes in:

• Cycle length

• Heavier or lighter bleeding

• Missed or erratic periods

• PMS symptoms that feel stronger or longer-lasting

These shifts are all signs your hormones are changing, even if menopause hasn’t officially arrived.

Why These Symptoms Matter, Even the “Embarrassing” Ones

Too many women suffer in silence when it comes to intimate symptoms like:

• Vaginal discomfort

• Recurrent infections

• Painful sex

• Loss of confidence or libido

These aren’t just “part of getting older.” They’re clues that your body is out of balance and there is support available.

Ignoring these signs can make symptoms worse over time, leading to low mood, strained relationships, and unnecessary distress.

What You Can Do Next

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

As a registered nutritionist with expertise in hormone and intimate health, I offer support that’s:

• Evidence-based

• Root-cause focused

• Realistic for busy women

Ready to Get to the Bottom of What’s Going On?

1. Download my free Thyroid Symptom Checklist

Fatigue, weight gain, brain fog or dry skin? Thyroid imbalances often go unnoticed in midlife. Get your copy here.

2. Book your free discovery call

Let’s chat 1:1 about your symptoms, especially the ones you’re not sure how to bring up. I create personalised plans to help you feel more like you again.

Your Body Isn’t Broken, It’s Asking for Help

Hormonal changes are natural, but they don’t have to leave you feeling helpless. By listening to your body and making strategic changes to your food, lifestyle and mindset—you can rebalance, reconnect and feel good again, inside and out.

Online Nutritionist for Perimenopause Hormone Balance & Weight Management

Hi I'm Lisa, as a BANT registered nutritionist my online programme, Be Balanced, is designed for women struggling with perimenopause symptoms and stubborn weight gain.

This online nutrition programme, with advanced DUTCH hormones testing, focuses on simple, actionable steps and 1-1 support for female intimate health concerns. I work with women locally in Manchester and online across the UK.

For more information on how to reclaim your body confidence, get in touch or book a FREE no-obligation introductory call today.

DISCLAIMER: The content on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.