Most women notice that something shifts with their bodies in their 40s and 50s — and it’s not just about hot flashes or mood swings. One of the biggest (and most frustrating) changes is metabolism.

Here’s why it happens:

Hormones start to shift. As estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone change, your body processes food and stores energy differently.

Muscle mass naturally declines. Less muscle means fewer calories burned at rest — unless you’re actively working to maintain it.

Insulin sensitivity drops. This makes it easier to gain weight around the belly and harder to keep blood sugar balanced.

The good news? With the right lifestyle tools — nourishing food, strength training, quality sleep, and stress support — you can work with your changing hormones instead of feeling stuck.

Your body isn’t broken. It’s simply asking for a new approach.