One of the most common questions I hear from patients is:
“Dr. Cristy, are these symptoms just part of getting older… or is something else going on with my hormones?”
It’s a great question, and the truth is, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Our bodies naturally change with age, but sometimes what we chalk up to “just aging” is actually a hormone imbalance that can be improved.
Let’s break it down together.
1. Weight Changes
You’ve been eating the same way and moving your body regularly, yet the scale keeps creeping up. Sound familiar?
- Aging factor: As we age, our metabolism slows a bit. We don’t burn calories as efficiently as we once did, and muscle mass naturally declines.
- Hormone factor: If the weight seems to gather around your belly (especially if it feels stubborn), hormones like cortisol (your stress hormone) or insulin might be at play. In women, shifts in estrogen and progesterone can also change where your body stores fat.
💡 Tip from me: Don’t accept weight gain as your “new normal.” Simple lab work can reveal if hormones are adding fuel to the fire and contributing to your symptoms.
2. Mood Swings & Irritability
Do you feel like your emotions are on a rollercoaster, or like you’re more irritable than usual?
- Aging factor: Life stressors, changes in family dynamics, or sleep challenges can certainly impact mood.
- Hormone factor: Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (yes, women have it too!) play a big role in mood stability. Low thyroid hormone can also trigger irritability, anxiety, or even depression.
💡 Tip from me: If your moods feel “out of proportion” to what’s going on in your life, it’s worth exploring your hormone levels.
3. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
The classic sign many women dread, those sudden waves of heat that seem to come out of nowhere.
- Aging factor: During perimenopause and menopause, dips in estrogen are the usual culprit.
- Hormone factor: But it’s not just estrogen! Imbalances in cortisol or thyroid hormones can worsen hot flashes or night sweats, making them more intense or frequent than typical age-related changes.
💡 Tip from me: Tracking when and how often hot flashes happen can give us clues about whether it’s a natural transition or something more.
4. Low Energy
This one comes up all the time. You’re getting enough sleep, but you still feel drained.
- Aging factor: Our energy does naturally shift with age, especially if we’re not as active as we used to be.
- Hormone factor: Low thyroid, adrenal fatigue (chronic stress), or imbalances in sex hormones can all rob you of your get-up-and-go. Sometimes, low energy is one of the first red flags of hormone imbalance.
💡 Tip from me: If you’re tired despite good sleep, don’t ignore it. Your body may be whispering that something deeper is off.
So… Which Is It?
The truth is, aging and hormone changes often happen together. The key is not to dismiss your symptoms as “just part of getting older.” Many people feel years younger and more vibrant once their hormones are supported properly.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Cristy
Your body is wise, it gives you signals. Instead of brushing them off as “normal aging,” I encourage you to pause and ask: What if this is something I can improve?
Balancing hormones isn’t about chasing youth. It’s about helping you feel like yourself again, clear-headed, energized, and comfortable in your own body.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, know that you don’t have to guess. Testing your hormone levels can give us answers and from there, we can create a plan tailored to your body’s needs.