Have You Gained Weight, Lost Your Confidence And Don't Feel Like Yourself Anymore? Read Jasmine's Inspiring Hormonal Success Story
Minal Patel - Naturopath & Food Scientist | Bhimble Wellness
“I thought I was doing everything right so why did I still feel like my body was working against me?”
If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and you’re struggling with stubborn weight gain, anxiety, heart palpitations, aching joints or simply not feeling like yourself anymore, I want you to know one thing - there is hope.
Today I’d love to share one of my client’s stories with you. She’s kindly given me permission to share her journey, although I’ve changed her name to protect her privacy.
Meet Jasmine.
Before Jasmine Came to See Me
Like many women I work with, Jasmine didn’t feel like herself.
She was struggling with:
- Weight gain
- Anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle and joint aches
- Feeling emotionally overwhelmed
- Relationship tensions
She had been taking Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) for a few months, however she still wasn’t feeling like herself.
Jasmine was an over-giver. She cared deeply for everyone around her, often taking on other people’s emotions as if they were her own. Her mind was constantly racing, thinking about what needed doing next and how she could help someone else.
She also worked in a demanding, high-pressure job. She felt exhausted, uncertain about her future at work, and didn’t really feel like talking to anyone. So many women tell me exactly the same thing.
Sometimes it’s not just hormones. It’s the combination of hormones, stress, lifestyle and years of putting everyone else first.
Biggest Goal To Feel Comfortable in Her Own Body Again
Jasmine’s goal was simple, she wanted to lose 5kg. Underneath that was something much deeper - she wanted to feel happy, strong, independent, fit and to not be a burden on others. She carried a fear of ending up like her mum at a heavier weight.
When we first started working together, Jasmine was incredibly hard on herself. In fact, she nearly didn’t come back for her follow-up appointment because of negative self talk.
Why Does Weight Gain Happen During Perimenopause and Menopause?
One of the biggest frustrations women tell me about is weight gain, especially around the tummy.
During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen and progesterone naturally begin to fluctuate before gradually declining.
These hormonal changes can cause your body to:
- Become more insulin resistant
- Burn fat less efficiently
- Store more fat around the abdomen
- Feel hungrier and crave more sugar
- Sleep more poorly
- Become more sensitive to stress
Read my blog on Weight Gain, there is a section on “Simple Ways to Lose Weight or Maintain a Healthy Weight.”
Anxiety and Heart Palpitations Can Feel Scary
One of the most frightening symptoms Jasmine experienced was heart palpitations when symptoms were at their worst. She told me, “I thought I was going to die”.
She experienced a racing heart and tightness in her chest while simply walking.
Many women are surprised to learn that hormonal changes can contribute to these symptoms.
What Do Hormones Have to Do With Anxiety?
Estrogen and progesterone don’t just influence your menstrual cycle. This hormone also effects your brain, nervous system and cardiovascular system. When estrogen fluctuates or drops, it can affect blood vessels and stress chemicals in the brain, making you more sensitive to stress and increasing the likelihood of heart palpitations, anxiety and disrupted sleep.
Progesterone is often called our natural calming hormone. It helps soothe the nervous system. As progesterone declines during perimenopause, many women notice:
- Increased anxiety
- Feeling constantly on edge
- Panic attacks
- Poor sleep
- Feeling overwhelmed much more easily
Read my blog on Anxiety and Heart Palpitations which includes a section on “Simple, Gentle Ways to Reduce Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Heart Palpitations”.
Muscles Aches and Joints Pain
Jasmine also experienced constant muscle aches throughout her whole body. Her previous knee injury became much more painful and she no longer played a sport she once loved. She’d said she had “lost her mojo.”
Many women think these aches are simply part of getting older, our hormones play a much bigger role than most people realise.
Why Do Your Muscles and Joints Suddenly Ache?
Estrogen has natural anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body.
As estrogen declines, inflammation can increase, leading to:
- Sore muscles
- Stiff joints
- Slower recovery after exercise
- Increased joint pain
Progesterone also supports muscle recovery and quality sleep. When it declines, you may feel more tired and find your body takes longer to bounce back.
Lower estrogen can effect bone density, making joints feel less supported over time.
Read my blog about Muscle Aches and Joint Pain, there is a section on Simple Ways to Soothe Your Body Aches and Pains.
Jasmine’s First Month Wins
After one month of making consistent, manageable changes, Jasmine had already started noticing improvements.
She:
- Lost 3kg
- Reduced her waist circumference by 1cm
- Reduced her hip circumference by 3cm
She happily told me: “My clothes fit well.” and “I don’t feel bloated anymore.”
These weren’t just physical changes. She was beginning to feel like herself again.
Jasmine’s Results and Wins After Working Together
After working together, Jasmine had:
- Lost 4.3kg
- Reduced her waist circumference by 5cm
- Reduced her hip circumference by 10cm
She was 700 grams away from her original goal. I’m sure she will get there.
What made me smile most wasn’t the number on the scales, it was how she described herself. She said she felt “Lighter”, “my pants are fitting comfortably again”, “my friend noticed had lost weight.”
One of my favourite parts of working with Jasmine was helping her become more aware of the foods that she liked and didn’t like. There was no guilt, no strict dieting and no perfection. She learnt what made her felt good for her.
By the end of her journey together with me, Jasmine looked happier, calmer and confident in herself. I’m incredibly proud of everything she achieved. She stayed committed, started putting herself first even when things felt challenging and made small, consistent changes which added up to remarkable results.
Are You Ready For Support
Can you relate to any of Jasmine’s story?
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of perimenopause or menopause and you’d like to learn more about supporting your hormones naturally, I’d love to help you.
Book a complimentary Hormonal Wellness Discovery Call to find our more
With love & understanding,
Minal xx