Ep 162 - Stubborn Weight Gain After 40: The 3 Hormones Often Ignored

Have you ever looked at your body and thought, "I don't understand what's happening anymore?"

In this episode of the Type 1 in Midlife Podcast, I'm sharing a powerful conversation from inside our Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle about stubborn weight gain in midlife — especially when hormones, thyroid health, stress, sleep, insulin resistance, and type 1 diabetes all collide at the same time.

One of our members opened up honestly about gaining 20 stubborn pounds despite eating well, exercising, tracking her blood sugars, and trying so hard to "do everything right." And honestly? So many women in the room nodded in agreement.

Because this isn't simply about eating less and exercising more.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why midlife hormones can dramatically impact metabolism
• The connection between estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and insulin resistance
• How sleep disruption and cortisol affect fat storage
• Why strength training matters more than endless cardio after 40
• How thyroid medication and hormone therapy can interact
• Why increasing insulin needs may signal hormonal shifts
• The emotional toll of feeling uncomfortable in your changing body
• Why your body is not broken — and what it may actually be trying to tell you

This is a validating, educational conversation for women living with type 1 diabetes who feel frustrated, confused, or discouraged by the changes happening in midlife.

You are not failing, you are not imagining it, and you are definitely not alone.

✨ Learn more about my book Highs, Lows & Hormones: A Survival Guide for Women Managing Diabetes from Monthly Cycles to Menopause and explore resources designed specifically for women navigating hormones and diabetes.

✨ Interested in support and community? Learn more about the Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle where women gather to learn, ask questions, and feel understood.

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another woman who needs this conversation today.

Connect with Melissa Slemp:

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Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones

Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community:

Type 1 In Midlife Coaching Circle

Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.

Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.