5 Myths to Unlearn in Midlife
As women move into their 30s, 40s, and 50s, something shifts - and it’s not just your hormones.
You’re doing everything right… eating clean, working out, getting your steps in. But suddenly, it’s not working the way it used to. Your body feels bloated, tired, moody and inflamed. And no matter how “healthy” you try to be, something still feels off.
Here’s the hard truth:
Most of what you were taught about women's health - especially midlife health - is outdated, oversimplified, and in some cases… completely wrong. And the worst part? Even our medical system hasn’t been educated enough, leaving women scrambling to know where to go and who to trust.
In this post, I’m breaking down 5 of the most common midlife myths that are keeping women stuck, inflamed, and disconnected from their bodies and what to do instead.
Myth #1: “Eat Less and Move More” Is the Key to Fat Loss
This advice might have worked in your 20s, but in midlife? It’s a fast track to burnout.
Why? Because women’s hormones shift dramatically during perimenopause and menopause. Stress resilience changes. Recovery slows down. And extreme calorie restriction or over-exercising can actually raise cortisol, damage your metabolism and cause more fat storage - especially around the belly.
What to do instead:
Focusing on blood sugar regulation, resistance training (not endless cardio), nervous system regulation and meals that satisfy are KEY habits to lean into.
Myth #2: “Feeling Off Is Just a Normal Part of Aging”
If you’ve been told things like:
“You’re just getting older”
“This is what being a mom feels like”
“That’s just menopause - deal with it”
…please know this: You don’t have to live with fatigue, brain fog, bloating or low mood.
All of these are not random symptoms - they’re signals. And your body is trying to get your attention!
What to do instead:
Start asking better questions and challenging the lack luster advice you’ve been given. Dig into your gut health, adrenals, thyroid and stress response. Work with practitioners and coaches (like me!) who specialize in women’s health in this phase of life - not one-size-fits-all plans that don’t help you reach your goals.
Myth #3: “You Should Have It All Figured Out by Now”
This belief is a silent killer of joy, curiosity and growth.
Midlife isn’t a finish line - it’s a powerful transition. In fact, for many women, your 30s, 40s and 50s are when clarity, confidence and courage finally click and you give yourself permission to evolve.
What to do instead:
Drop the shame!! Embrace this stage with curiosity over massive frustration. You’re allowed to change your mind, your body and your habits whenever you want. Especially now!
Myth #4: “Rest Is Lazy - Just Push Through It”
Burnout culture has taught women to wear exhaustion like a badge of honor.
But here’s the truth: Rest is not weakness - it’s a necessary strategy.
Your nervous system needs regulation. Your adrenals need recovery. And your hormones need space to heal. Hustling harder won’t help you, but working with your body will!
What to do instead:
Prioritize sleep like it’s your job! Dig into restorative movement, time in nature, breathwork and just BEING over doing all the time. Rest isn’t a reward you earn. It’s a requirement for results.
Myth #5: “Taking Care of Yourself Is Selfish”
This one runs deep - especially for moms, caretakers and high-performing women.
Self-sacrifice at the expense of your health helps no one.
And even though it sounds so cliche - it’s true. You cannot pour from an empty cup!
What to do instead:
Build strong boundaries. Communicate your needs and ask for support. Nourishing yourself like someone you love matters more than ever inside this transitional season. Remember - you deserve to feel good, not just surviving your days.
If you’re feeling stuck, here’s what to do next:
✅ Choose one myth you’ve believed and replace it with a truth!
✅ Make one small shift this week (sleep, food, stress, movement)
✅ Listen to Episode 204 on my podcast - Empowered in Health. In just 20 minutes, I break down the mental and emotional weight of these myths and what it looks like to finally come home to your body during this powerful new season of life.