When the Scale Won’t Budge

It Might Be Your Hormones

We’ve all had that moment: you’re eating clean, exercising, managing stress (as best you can)… and yet, the scale refuses to move. You feel like you’re doing everything right, but your body just isn’t responding the way it used to.

Before you start cutting more calories or doubling up on workouts, it might be time to look a little deeper — at your hormones.

When “It’s Just Your Hormones” Isn’t the Full Story

Let’s start with this — I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting or changing anything related to your hormones, thyroid, or supplements.

That said, I’ve seen so many women — including people close to me — told “it’s just menopause” when something more was actually going on.

My own mom went through this. She was in her 50s, struggling with weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog. Her doctor brushed it off as “normal for menopause.” But after pushing for a deeper look, we found out her thyroid wasn’t functioning properly. Once that was addressed, everything started improving.

Here’s the thing: thyroid issues are often misdiagnosed during peri-menopause and menopause because the symptoms overlap — fatigue, slow metabolism, mood swings, hair loss, and even weight gain. It’s easy for doctors to assume it’s “just hormones,” but sometimes it’s not that simple.

And honestly, I went through something similar myself. After turning 40, I started having really heavy, painful periods. Several doctors told me the same thing: “It’s just age.”One even suggested a hysterectomy as the only solution!

But I knew something wasn’t right — I wasn’t crazy, and I wasn’t about to let anyone make me feel like I was. I kept pushing until I finally found a doctor who took me seriously. They did a sonogram and discovered I had nine fibroids — large ones — that needed to be removed.

That experience taught me an important lesson: if your gut says something is off, don’t stop until you get answers.

If You’re Doing Everything Right And The Scale Won't Budge , Ask for These Tests

If your diet, exercise, and stress are on track but your progress has stalled, it’s worth asking your doctor about getting a full thyroid and hormone panel.

Here’s what to request:

• Thyroid Panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and Thyroid Antibodies.

• Hormone Panel: Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and Cortisol.

If your thyroid levels are normal, it could still be that your hormones are shifting — especially in peri-menopause or menopause. That’s when you and your doctor can talk about what’s next, including hormone therapy options or more natural support.

The Truth About Hormone Therapy (and Why It’s Not as Scary as It Once Sounded)

For years, hormone therapy got a bad reputation. Many women were told it was dangerous or unnecessary — but new research tells a very different story.

According to studies published by the North American Menopause Society and the JAMA Network, hormone therapy can actually be beneficial for women who start it within 10 years of menopause onset (or before age 60). It can help manage symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, and even support heart and bone health.

Of course, it’s not for everyone — risks and benefits vary. But what’s important is that you have that conversation with a doctor who understands the nuances of women’s hormones. Don’t let anyone dismiss your symptoms as “just getting older.”

Natural Support to Help Balance Hormones (and Sanity)

Before adding anything new, always check with your doctor or healthcare practitioner — especially if you’re taking medications or have existing health issues. But if your labs are normal and you just want gentle support, there are several natural ways to help your body find balance again.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb helps calm stress hormones like cortisol. It can support energy, focus, and even thyroid health when used consistently.

• Shatavari: An Ayurvedic herb used for centuries to support women’s hormone health. It may help ease symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular cycles during peri-menopause.

• DIM (Diindolylmethane): A natural compound from cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and kale) that helps your body metabolize estrogen more efficiently — important during hormonal shifts.

• Vitex (Chasteberry): A gentle, natural way to support progesterone balance and reduce PMS or per-imenopausal symptoms. One brand I personally like is Pure Vitex by EU Natural — but again, always double-check what’s right for you.

• Raspberry Leaf Tea: A soothing tea rich in minerals and antioxidants that can help tone the uterus, ease cramps, and support a smoother transition through peri-menopause and menopause. It’s an easy daily habit that feels like self-care.

When Medical Intervention Might Be Needed

If your hormone or thyroid tests show irregularities, don’t panic. Sometimes a small adjustment — like thyroid medication or low-dose hormone therapy — can make a world of difference.

The key is timing. Starting treatment earlier in the menopausal transition tends to bring the best results. But even if you’re past that stage, it’s never too late to advocate for your health.

The bottom line: whether it’s through natural support or medical care, balance is possible — and it’s not “just your age.”

It's not your imagination, you're not crazy

If the scale won’t budge — even though you’re doing everything right — it’s not a failure on your part. It’s your body sending a message that something deeper may be out of sync.

Get curious, not frustrated. Ask questions. Get your labs done. Explore your options. Your hormones aren’t the enemy — they’re the messengers.

And when you start listening, everything starts to make sense again.