If you’ve been feeling tired, moody, and stuck in a cycle of stubborn weight gain, it’s time to stop blaming yourself. The root cause often lies in your hormones—and there’s a way to reset them while reclaiming your energy and balance. These 10 steps will guide you with tips and tools to make each step as easy and manageable as possible.

Understanding Hormone Imbalances

Hormone imbalances can happen for a number of reasons:

• Chronic stress is a big one—it raises cortisol levels, which can mess with other hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones, leading to tiredness, mood swings, and weight gain.
• A poor diet full of processed foods and sugar can also throw things off, affecting insulin and hormone production.
• Environmental toxins, like those found in plastic and cosmetics, can mimic estrogen and mess with your hormones.
• Sleep deprivation is another culprit, as it messes with cortisol levels and disrupts hormones that control hunger and metabolism.
• Underlying health issues li
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As a woman and a functional medicine physician, I understand the sensitivity and importance of discussing sexual health during menopause. This period of transition is often marked by changes in sexual health and libido, which can be concerning for many. These changes are typically due to decreasing estrogen levels, which can affect vaginal lubrication, elasticity, and libido. It's crucial to recognize these changes as a natural part of aging and not something to be embarrassed about. Acknowledging and understanding these shifts is the first step in addressing them.

 One common issue that many women face during menopause is vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to manage this. Over-the-counter lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can provide immediate relief. For more severe cases, prescription treatments, such as local estrogen therapy, can be incredibly beneficial. These treatments can significantly improve comfort, making sex...