hormone balance – JRM Nurse Consultants

October 10 2025

What No One Tells You About Hormones and Mood in Midlife

Discover how hormonal shifts in midlife affect mood, energy, and sleep. Learn how functional medicine can help women feel like themselves again.

Feeling “Off” in Your 40s, 50s, or 60s? You’re Not Alone

Many women in their 40s–60s feel “off” without understanding why. Irritability, anxiety, low energy, sleep problems, or brain fog can creep in suddenly, making you feel disconnected from your usual self. What most women don’t realize is that these changes often have a biological root: hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause.

Hormones Aren’t Just About Reproduction

Your hormones—estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol—play critical roles beyond reproductive health. They influence mood, motivation, stress response, sleep, and energy. When estrogen and progesterone levels drop:

Serotonin and dopamine levels can decline, affecting mood and motivation
Sleep may become restless, and fatigue can set in
Anxiety and irritability can increase, making everyday tasks feel overwhelming

Even testosterone and cortisol shifts can leave you feeling drained or emotionally unbalanced.

Heartfelt Stories from Midlife Women

Sarah’s Story
Sarah, in her early 50s, came to me feeling constantly anxious, exhausted, and disconnected from her family. She was a mom of two teenagers, working full-time, and felt like she was losing herself. After labs and lifestyle assessment, we discovered low estrogen and progesterone, elevated cortisol, and vitamin D deficiency. With a functional medicine plan including nutrition, stress management, and hormone support, Sarah’s transformation was remarkable:
“I feel like me again. I didn’t realize how much my hormones were controlling my life until I got help.”

Maria’s Story
Maria, 48, a homeschooling mom of three, experienced panic attacks and racing thoughts during the pandemic. She felt isolated, ashamed, and unsure if anyone else her age felt the same. Functional medicine interventions—targeted labs, sleep optimization, nutrition, and adrenal support—helped Maria regain balance. Within weeks, her anxiety decreased, energy returned, and she felt confident navigating her life’s demands again.

How Functional Medicine Can Help

Functional medicine focuses on root causes rather than just masking symptoms. Approaches include:

Comprehensive lab testing: hormone panels, thyroid, adrenal function, nutrient levels
Lifestyle adjustments: nutrition, stress management, movement, sleep hygiene
Targeted support: bioidentical hormones, adaptogens, and supplements when appropriate

The earlier you address imbalances, the more you can prevent prolonged mood disruption, fatigue, and other midlife challenges.

Take Action Today

If you’re experiencing mood swings, low energy, anxiety, or sleep disturbances, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Start by:

Tracking your symptoms daily
Discussing hormones and mental health with a qualified provider
Considering functional medicine strategies to support balance

Your health, mood, and life are worth the investment.

Want to Learn More?
Schedule a functional medicine discovery call or reach out directly to discuss a plan tailored to your unique needs.

Email: rosie@jrmnurseconsultants.com
Phone: 407-760-1662
Website: https://jrmnurseconsultants.com

October 10 2025

Hormones, Mood, and Suicide: What Women Need to Know

Midlife is a period of profound change for women, and it’s also a time when mental health challenges can increase. Research shows that women aged 45–64 have some of the highest suicide rates among females. This period often coincides with menopause, a time of major hormonal changes that can affect mood, energy, and overall well-being.

Understanding the connection between hormones, mood, and suicide risk is essential for women, their families, and healthcare providers.

Hormonal Changes and Mental Health

During perimenopause and menopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone shift dramatically. These hormones not only affect reproductive health—they also influence brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood, motivation, and calm.

When estrogen and progesterone drop, women may experience:

Anxiety and irritability
Persistent sadness or low mood
Brain fog or memory difficulties
Sleep disturbances and fatigue

These changes can increase vulnerability to depression and, in severe cases, thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

What the Research Shows

Several recent studies highlight the connection between menopause, hormonal changes, and increased risk of suicide:

Age at Menopause and Suicide Risk
A 2024 study of over 1.3 million postmenopausal women found that women who went through menopause at younger ages—especially before 40—had a significantly higher risk of suicide. (Frontiers in Psychiatry, DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1442991)
Menopause and Suicide: A Review
A 2025 review of 19 studies reported that most women experience an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or feelings during menopause, especially during perimenopause. Hormonal changes, existing mental health conditions, physical symptoms, and limited social support were key factors. (ResearchGate, DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.39635.97155)
Midlife Women at Risk
Another 2025 study emphasized that women in midlife, particularly during perimenopause, are at an elevated risk for suicidal thoughts due to hormonal fluctuations affecting mental health. (SAGE Journals, DOI: 10.1177/17455057251338941)

Risk Factors to Watch For

Hormonal Changes: Drops in estrogen and progesterone can affect mood.
Existing Mental Health Conditions: Depression or anxiety may worsen.
Physical Symptoms: Hot flashes, sleep problems, and fatigue can add stress.
Social Isolation: Feeling alone or lacking support can increase risk.
Life Stressors: Work, caregiving, or relationship challenges.

How Women Can Protect Their Mental Health

Even if insurance doesn’t cover it, investing in your health is essential. Strategies include:

Hormone Support: Discuss options with a healthcare provider, including hormone therapy if appropriate.
Functional Medicine: Labs and lifestyle strategies to address underlying imbalances.
Mental Health Care: Therapy or counseling for emotional support.
Healthy Habits: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and good sleep routines.
Social Support: Maintain strong friendships and support networks.

When to Seek Help

If you experience persistent sadness, anxiety, sleep problems, or thoughts of self-harm, seek professional help immediately.

In the U.S., you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, available 24/7 for free, confidential support.

Conclusion

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it comes with real mental health challenges. Hormonal changes, combined with life stressors, can increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts in women aged 45–64.

Awareness, early intervention, and supportive care—through conventional or functional medicine—can make a profound difference. Women deserve to feel seen, supported, and empowered to take charge of their mental and emotional health during midlife.

Take Action Today:

Track your mood, sleep, and energy.
Discuss hormonal and mental health concerns with your healthcare provider.
Consider functional medicine strategies to address root causes of imbalance.

Your health, your mood, and your life are worth the investment.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re a woman navigating midlife and want personalized guidance to support your hormones, mood, and overall well-being, I’m here to help.

Schedule a functional medicine discovery call or reach out to me directly to discuss how we can create a plan tailored to your unique needs.

Email: rosie@jrmnurseconsultants.com
Phone: 407-760-1662
Website: https://jrmnurseconsultants.com

You don’t have to navigate midlife changes alone—let’s take this journey together.

August 08 2025

5 Signs Your Hormones Might Be Holding You Back

By Dr. Rosie Moore, DNP, RN, LNC, LEHP, BC-FMP

Hormones play a powerful role in every aspect of your health — from your energy and mood to weight, sleep, and overall well-being. When they’re out of balance, it can feel like an invisible barrier holding you back from living your best life.

If you’ve been struggling but can’t quite put your finger on why, your hormones might be the missing piece.

Here are 5 signs your hormones could be holding you back:

1. Unexplained Fatigue
No matter how much you sleep, you feel drained and sluggish. Hormonal imbalances — especially thyroid, adrenal, or sex hormones — can disrupt your energy levels.

2. Mood Swings and Anxiety
Irritability, anxiety, or feeling “off” emotionally can be linked to fluctuating or low hormone levels. These shifts affect brain chemistry and stress response.

3. Weight Struggles Despite Diet and Exercise
If your weight won’t budge or you’re gaining weight unexpectedly, hormones like insulin, cortisol, and estrogen could be sabotaging your efforts.

4. Sleep Difficulties
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Hormones regulate your circadian rhythm and melatonin production. Imbalances may be disrupting your rest.

5. Irregular or Painful Menstrual Cycles
Skipped periods, heavy bleeding, or severe cramps often signal underlying hormone issues like estrogen dominance or progesterone deficiency.

Why It Matters
Ignoring these signs can lead to worsening symptoms and increased risk for chronic conditions. The good news? Hormone imbalances can be addressed safely and effectively with the right support.

How I Can Help
As a functional medicine nurse consultant with expertise in hormone health and stress management, I partner with women to identify root causes and develop personalized plans for hormone balance, improved energy, mood, and overall wellness.

If these signs sound familiar, don’t wait. You deserve to feel like yourself again.

Let’s Talk
Schedule a discovery call today and take the first step toward reclaiming your health and vitality.

Visit jrmnurseconsultants.com to learn more.

Years of experience in Work Comp, Case Management, Disease Management, Utilization Review and Prior Authorization.

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