2025 is approaching, and for many people they set goals for themselves as they enter the new year. A lot of times these resolutions are centered around fitness and health, including going on a healthier diet or hitting the gym. It’s important to set these goals for yourself, but that doesn’t mean it will all be smooth sailing. Women’s bodies are complicated, and sometimes no matter how much effort you put in at the gym, you might not see the results you are looking for. Chances are your body is going through a hormonal imbalance. There is nothing to worry about. Just because your hormones are out of whack does not mean you can’t manage them, and get back on track. Hormones could be impacting your gym gains, but by doing a little research and trying holistic methods, you can put your body back into a balance.
Hormones imbalances are more common than you might think. Studies show that 80% of women have experienced it a time or two throughout their life. This is important to know because it can show you that there is a community of women who have gone through the same thing. Knowing that people around you have had similar experiences can help you get the help you need and know what to look out for when it comes to hormone imbalances. Common symptoms and signs are irregular periods, hot flashes, weight gain, hair loss, pelvic pain, and fatigue. Understanding what a hormone imbalance looks like and how it can impact your body is the first step to managing it and getting your body back on track and seeing results at the gym.
“Feeling stuck at the gym is never fun. You might have a period of time where you see progress, and then you feel like that progress plummets. A hormone imbalance might be the reason your body looks different. Whether you spend a lot of time in the gym or not, your hormones are important to your muscle mass and strength,” says Proov CEO Amy Beckley.
Once you understand what your body is going through, then you can make healthy changes to find a balance. Being in tune with your goals and staying proactive over your health is the best way to see those results. Practicing holistic methods at home are cost-effective ways to feel like your best self. Instead of doing super intense workouts that increase your cortisol levels, try doing low-impact workouts, or switching up your diet to get more protein.
It’s also important to lower stress levels as much as possible, so that your body is not working in overdrive. Getting enough sleep, practicing self care to lower anxiety, or even taking natural supplements can help create a better balance with your hormones. The more things you try, the better you will be able to figure out your body.
“When your hormones are all out of whack it will have physical effects on your body. Things like stress, medicine and lifestyle changes can all create hormone imbalances, and negatively impact your success in the gym. The key word is balance here. Practicing holistic measures like meditation, low-impact exercises and a healthy diet can get your body back on track,” Beckley says.
The most important thing to remember is that everyone’s body is different. You have to find what works best for you. Hormone imbalances can be super annoying and uncomfortable, and managing those symptoms could be a game of trial and error. However, getting your body and mind in tune is possible and you don’t have to spend a ton of money to do it.
As you head into the new year and start working towards your fitness goals, it’s okay to have a few setbacks because it will only help you grow. If you are not seeing the results you are looking for, chances are your hormones might be out of whack. Practicing these at-home methods can help you feel more like yourself, and then hopefully you will see those gym gains you are looking for. Don’t give up when the going gets tough!