If you’ve noticed that your energy isn’t what it used to be, your mood feels more fragile, or weight seems harder to manage despite “doing the right things,” you’re not alone.
And importantly — it’s not a lack of willpower.
For both men and women, ageing brings real hormonal shifts that affect how we feel, how we cope with stress, and how our body manages weight. Understanding what’s changing allows us to work with the body again, rather than constantly pushing against it.
Hormone changes affect the brain and energy — not just reproduction
Hormones don’t only influence fertility. They play a major role in brain chemistry, motivation, resilience and fatigue.
- Women experience gradual changes in oestrogen and progesterone through perimenopause and menopause. These hormones influence serotonin, dopamine and GABA — key neurotransmitters involved in mood, calmness and mental clarity.
- Men experience a steady decline in testosterone from their 30s onward, which can impact motivation, mood, muscle mass, confidence and energy levels.
In both sexes, these shifts can show up as:
- lower motivation
- reduced stress tolerance
- brain fog
- disrupted sleep
- feeling “flat” or more easily overwhelmed
When hormones change, the nervous system often becomes more sensitive — which brings us to the biggest piece many people miss.
Stress is the number one driver holding weight in place.
Chronic stress is one of the most powerful influences on weight, energy and mood — regardless of age or gender.
When stress is ongoing, cortisol remains elevated. This can:
- worsen blood sugar control
- increase fat storage (especially around the abdomen)
- suppress thyroid function
- disrupt appetite signals
- make fatigue feel relentless
Many people respond by trying to “push harder” — more restriction, more training, less food. Unfortunately, this often adds fuel to the fire.
Managing stress isn’t about doing less forever. It’s about creating enough nervous system safety that the body can actually respond to nutrition and movement again.
Protein is essential — for both men and women
One of the most under-appreciated foundations for hormone balance, mood and weight management is adequate protein intake.
Protein supports:
- stable blood sugar
- muscle maintenance (which protects metabolism)
- neurotransmitter production for mood and motivation
- appetite regulation and cravings
As we age, protein needs increase — not decrease. Yet many adults, particularly women, eat far less than their body requires.
Inadequate protein can worsen:
- fatigue
- low mood
- muscle loss
- weight gain despite eating “light”
- cravings and energy crashes
Starting the day with protein, rather than caffeine alone, is often one of the simplest and most effective changes people can make.
Sustainable weight loss starts with regulation, not restriction
Whether you’re male or female, real progress comes from supporting the body’s foundations first:
- stabilising blood sugar with protein and regular meals
- reducing the constant stress response
- supporting hormones and thyroid function appropriately
- rebuilding muscle, not just chasing the scale
Weight loss becomes far easier when the body feels safe, fuelled and supported.
A calmer approach creates better results
At Belridge, I see both men and women who’ve tried “everything” — diets, resets, intense programs — only to feel more exhausted and frustrated.
What works long-term isn’t extremes. It’s understanding what’s changed in your body, and making small, strategic adjustments that restore energy, mood and metabolic balance.
If your energy is low, your mood feels off, or weight isn’t responding the way it used to, it may be time to stop blaming yourself — and start supporting your physiology instead.
If you’d like help understanding what’s driving your symptoms and what your body actually needs right now, naturopathic support can provide clarity and a plan that fits real life.
Small changes, applied consistently, add up.
To make an appointment with Natasha, visit the Joondalup Naturopath Website.
Natasha
Naturopath
Joondalup Naturopath