Why You're Not Lazy, Your Hormones Just Need Help

If you’ve been beating yourself up for feeling “lazy” lately — skipping workouts, avoiding house chores, or just wanting to curl up instead of tackling your to-do list — I have news for you.

It’s not laziness.
It’s biology.

In midlife, your hormones can play a huge role in your motivation, energy, and even your ability to think clearly. If they’re out of balance, no amount of “try harder” will fix it. But the good news? You can work with your hormones to get your energy (and your spark) back.

How Hormones Impact Your Energy and Drive

1. Estrogen
   During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and eventually decline. This can affect serotonin and dopamine — your feel-good, get-up-and-go brain chemicals — leaving you feeling flat or unmotivated.
2. Progesterone
   Known as your “calm” hormone, progesterone supports good sleep and a stable mood. When it dips, you might find yourself more anxious, restless, or wide awake at 3 a.m. — all of which zap your daytime energy.
3. Cortisol
   This stress hormone is like caffeine in small doses, but when it’s chronically high (thanks to stress, over-exercising, or under-eating), it leaves you feeling drained, achy, and moody.
4. Thyroid Hormones
   Your thyroid regulates metabolism and energy production. If it’s underactive — something more common in midlife women — you can feel sluggish no matter how much coffee you drink.

Signs Your Hormones Might Be the Culprit

• You wake up tired even after a full night’s sleep
• You feel “wired but tired” in the evenings
• You’ve lost motivation for things you normally enjoy
• You’re gaining weight despite eating and moving the same
• You feel more irritable, anxious, or low

What You Can Do to Support Your Hormones

1. Prioritise Protein and Healthy Fats
   These are the building blocks for hormone production and blood sugar balance. Think eggs, salmon, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and avocado.
2. Strength Train + Stretch
   Muscle-building workouts support metabolism and insulin sensitivity, while stretching lowers stress hormones and improves circulation.
3. Manage Stress Intentionally
   Journaling, gentle yoga, meditation, or even 10 minutes of deep breathing can calm cortisol.
4. Get Your Sleep Back on Track
   Create a consistent bedtime, limit screens before bed, and make your room cool and dark to improve sleep quality.
5. Consider Testing
   If symptoms persist, ask your healthcare provider about testing for hormones like estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and cortisol.

You’re Not Lazy — You’re Listening to Your Body

When your hormones are off, your body is simply trying to conserve energy. It’s not a character flaw — it’s a signal that it’s time to support yourself differently.

Your energy isn’t gone — it’s just waiting for the right support.