Your Hormones Aren’t the Enemy—They’re the Messenger

Shannon Wade
Jul 4
3 min read

Let’s get one thing straight: your hormones are not out to ruin your life.

I know it feels that way when you’re wide awake at 2 am for the third night in a row, or when a random comment in a meeting makes you want to cry, scream, or both. I’ve been there too—hot flashes mid-presentation, brain fog during a strategy session, and a level of exhaustion that no amount of coffee could touch.

But what if I told you that your hormones aren’t the villain? They’re actually the messenger. And they’re trying really hard to get your attention.

Hormones Don’t Just Misbehave—They Communicate

Hormones are chemical messengers. That’s their job. They carry important signals throughout your body, coordinating everything from your sleep cycles to your metabolism, mood, libido, and even your confidence.

**Your hormones aren't acting out - they're SPEAKING UP!**

So when things start to feel off—when your pants fit tighter even though you haven’t changed your diet, or you suddenly feel like a stranger in your own body—it’s not because your hormones are “broken.” It’s because something deeper needs support.

Your body is whispering to you… until it starts shouting.

What Your Symptoms Might Be Trying to Tell You

Here’s what some common perimenopause and menopause symptoms might actually be signaling:

Hot flashes 👉 Your adrenal system is likely working overtime to compensate for dropping estrogen. It may need nourishment and nervous system support.
Brain fog 👉 Your gut-brain axis may be inflamed, or you could be low on key nutrients like magnesium or omega-3s.
Weight gain around the midsection 👉 Cortisol might be chronically elevated due to stress. This isn’t about calories in vs. out—it’s a hormone story.
Insomnia 👉 Melatonin, estrogen, and progesterone all contribute to restful sleep—and when they dip, so does your shut-eye.
Mood swings or anxiety 👉 Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are closely linked to hormone shifts. Your gut health plays a major role here too.

From “Fixing” to Listening

So often, women are told to "just deal with it" or to throw medication at the symptom. But true healing doesn’t come from silencing your body. It comes from listening to it.

**The radical shift: From fighting your body to finally hearing it.**

When I finally stopped fighting my body and started tuning in—supporting my gut health, managing stress, nourishing myself with whole foods, and gently balancing my hormones—everything changed. I didn’t just feel “less bad,” I felt like myself again… maybe even better.

A Gentle Approach That Works

Here are a few ways you can begin honoring the messages your hormones are sending:

Track Your Symptoms Journaling how you feel physically and emotionally each day builds awareness and reveals patterns.
Balance Blood Sugar Eating meals rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps keep your energy steady and cortisol in check.
Support Your Adrenals Add daily calming practices (like walks with Ruby 🐾, deep breathing, or quiet time outside) to reset your stress response.
Nurture Your Gut Add in fermented foods, fiber-rich veggies, and a high-quality probiotic or gut support (like Happy Juice) to boost mood and immunity.
Consider Natural Supplements Herbal adaptogens, magnesium, and targeted micronutrients can support your transition naturally. (I share all my favorites in my course and coaching programs!)

You’re Not Broken. You’re Being Rebuilt.

Perimenopause and menopause aren’t punishments—they’re portals. Your body is shifting, yes. But what if you allowed that shift to bring you back to yourself? To your intuition, your joy, your power?