This Is 40 : The Hormone Conversation No One's Having

Your 40s can be an incredible decade: more confident, grounded, and in tune with what works for you. But it’s also when your body starts to shift. Hormonal changes, often subtle at first, can affect everything from energy and sleep to mood, metabolism, and skin.

It’s not something to fear. With the right support, this can be a time to feel more in control than ever.

For Women: What’s Really Going On

For many women, the 40s signal the start of perimenopause. Estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate, but what’s less commonly discussed is that testosterone also starts to decline. While it’s often labeled a male hormone, testosterone plays a key role in women’s energy, muscle tone, sex drive, and mental clarity.

You might notice mood swings, disrupted sleep, skin changes, gradual weight gain, or shifts in libido. The North American Menopause Society notes that perimenopause often brings noticeable changes in menstrual cycles, metabolism, and mood, even in women who feel too young for hormone shifts.

The good news is that more women are taking action. Hormone testing, personalized therapies, targeted skincare, and lifestyle support are helping women feel stronger, more balanced, and more like themselves.

For Men: It’s Not Just Stress

Men experience hormone shifts too, though they’re often less talked about. Testosterone begins to decline gradually in the 40s, and it can impact energy, focus, body composition, and libido. As reported by Harvard Men’s Health, testosterone levels drop by about one percent per year after age 40, and the symptoms, often dismissed as normal aging, can be more significant than many realize.

Many men are now addressing this with hormone testing, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), exercise, and nutrition. It’s not about reversing time but supporting the body as it changes.

What You Can Do Now

Many people begin with comprehensive hormone panels through functional or integrative providers. With the right testing and support, along with intentional changes in fitness, nutrition, sleep, and skincare, you can feel strong, focused, and confident through this transition.

Your 40s aren’t about decline. They’re about tuning in, getting clear on what you need, and choosing to feel your best from the inside out.