Why You Feel ‘Off’ in Your Late 30s and 40s
I’ve worked with countless women of different ages, especially those hitting their mid-30s and beyond, so trust me when I say — I get it. The reality is, once you cross 35, you might find yourself feeling noticeably more anxious in the second half of your cycle (that’s the Luteal Phase). Things that you considered to be petty issues in the past feel like a big deal. You might even catch yourself thinking, Why am I so sensitive all of a sudden? From what I know, hormonal fluctuations during the luteal phase, combined with perimenopause-related changes, can leave you feeling "off" in your late 30s and 40s. This is largely due to naturally declining estrogen levels. The good news? There are things you can do to help rebalance and feel more like yourself again. So why am I bringing this up? Because I don’t think aging and hormones get enough attention before menopause. There’s this silent expectation that our bodies should operate the same way decade after decade — until menopause shows up and throws a wrench in everything. But that’s just not how it works.
Your hormones change as you age, and so does your mood
If your body feels different as you approach your late 30s and 40s, I want you to know that it’s completely normal. But more importantly, I want you to know that you don’t have to suffer through it. You actually have more power over your symptoms than you think.
In our premium training program at Dr. Seyi Absolute Wellness, we walk women through the exact nutrition and lifestyle strategies that helped me balance my hormones at every stage of life. But today, I’m giving you a little sneak peek so you can start taking action — no matter your age.
Are you eating quality fats?
Did you know that quality fats are the building blocks of many of your hormones and can help stabilize your mood?
Some of the best sources include avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, fish oil, and high-quality animal protein. On the flip side, fats like canola oil and other hydrogenated vegetable oils can mess with your Omega-6 to Omega-3 balance — so watch out for those.
Are you getting enough sleep?
Sleep is one of the most underrated yet powerful tools for hormonal balance.
Poor sleep can throw off your cortisol levels, making you feel even more stressed and irritable. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and consider a wind-down routine to help signal your body that it’s time to rest.
Are you eating enough protein?
Your body needs protein to support hormone production, muscle health, and overall energy levels.
If you’re constantly feeling fatigued or experiencing blood sugar crashes, check in on your protein intake. Incorporate sources like eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, and plant-based proteins to keep your body fueled.
Are you caring for your adrenals?
Your adrenal glands (which handle your stress response) take more of a beating as you get older, so they need extra support.
One of my favorite go-to’s for adrenal health is vitamin B5.
Are you putting too much pressure on yourself?
Trying to maintain an unrealistic pace in life isn’t doing you any favors. In fact, it’s probably making things worse.
Where can you start setting better boundaries? Where can you build in more self-care? And where can you be gentler with yourself — whether that’s in your workouts, your work life, or your social commitments?
Taking a step back and giving your body what it actually needs can make all the difference. And the best part? You don’t have to wait until menopause to start feeling better.