JLD Wellness: Thriving Through Midlife

Supporting Hormone Balance After 40

October 04, 20252 min read

Three Simple Shifts That Make a Big Difference

If you’ve ever felt like your energy, mood, or metabolism just isn’t what it used to be, you’re not alone. After 40, both women and men experience natural shifts in hormone levels that can affect everything from sleep to weight to mental clarity. The good news? You don’t have to just “accept it.” Small, intentional changes in your daily routine can support hormone balance and help you feel more like yourself again.

As a nurse and nutritionist, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it is when people understand their bodies—and I’m here to share some simple strategies you can start today.

1. Start Your Day with Protein

One of the best ways to support hormone health and steady energy is to prioritize protein at breakfast. After 40, blood sugar fluctuations can feel more dramatic, and protein helps prevent those mid-morning crashes and cravings.

👉 Practical Step: Aim for at least 20–30 grams of protein in the morning. Think eggs with veggies, Greek yogurt with chia seeds, or a smoothie with protein powder.

2. Manage Stress with Mini Resets

Stress triggers cortisol, a hormone that—when constantly elevated—can interfere with sleep, weight, and even blood sugar. While we can’t eliminate stress completely, we can reset our body’s response.

👉 Practical Step: Build in 5-minute “resets” throughout your day. That could be deep breathing, a short walk, or simply stepping away from your phone. These small moments train your nervous system to shift out of stress mode.

3. Prioritize Sleep Like It’s Medicine

Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s when your body does the work of hormone repair and balance. After 40, poor sleep can make every symptom feel worse: fatigue, irritability, cravings, and brain fog.

👉 Practical Step: Create a simple evening routine: dim the lights, avoid screens for 30 minutes before bed, and keep your bedroom cool and dark. Even one extra hour of restful sleep can make a noticeable difference.

The Bottom Line

Hormone changes are part of life, but they don’t have to hold you back. By focusing on protein, stress resets, and sleep, you’re giving your body powerful tools to restore balance.

Remember—wellness doesn’t happen all at once. It’s about small, steady shifts that add up over time.

I’d love to hear from you: Which of these three steps feels most doable for you right now? Drop a comment below—I’d love to cheer you on.

And if you’re ready for more personalized support, I invite you to set up a free discovery call to discuss your current struggles and needs. Together, we can create a plan that’s tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Here’s to balance and thriving after 40,
Jen
JLD Wellness 🌸


I'm a Registered Nurse, Board Certified Functional Health Coach, and Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience helping people live healthier, more empowered lives. But I'm not just a healthcare provider- I'm also someone who lives this journey every day. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 3 years ago, and know firsthand how hard it is to manage a chronic condition while trying to live a full life. I help clients understand what's going on inside their bodies and what they can do - with food, movement, stress management, recommended laboratory testing, supplements, peptides, and herbal remedies- to feel better and function at their best.

Jennifer Desrochers, RN, BC-FHC, Nutritionist

I'm a Registered Nurse, Board Certified Functional Health Coach, and Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience helping people live healthier, more empowered lives. But I'm not just a healthcare provider- I'm also someone who lives this journey every day. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 3 years ago, and know firsthand how hard it is to manage a chronic condition while trying to live a full life. I help clients understand what's going on inside their bodies and what they can do - with food, movement, stress management, recommended laboratory testing, supplements, peptides, and herbal remedies- to feel better and function at their best.

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