In this episode of Honestly, Carly, we zoom out from the “it’s just your hormones” narrative and look at the full picture of midlife physiology.
Yes, oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone are changing - but so are your stress loads, recovery capacity, sleep, and the cumulative “patchwork quilt” of your life (and don't we know it?).
Carly explains in plain English how the hormone rollercoaster affects your workouts and your body; why cortisol is leaving you more tired-but-wired than an under-slept toddler; and why you're playing whack-a-mole with niggles. Understanding what's going on with your body really is the first step to feeling fantastic and this is where it begins..
Warm, honest, science-backed - and deeply pragmatic.
In this episode
- The “ebb and flow” of oestrogen/progesterone vs the perimenopause rollercoaster
- How hormone shifts influence muscle efficiency, recovery and body composition
- Cortisol 101: tired-but-wired, stubborn belly fat, and why stress stacking backfires
- Insulin sensitivity in midlife and the “perfect storm” behind weight changes
- Soft-tissue niggles and why they flare
- The “patchwork quilt” concept
- Why hammering cardio + eating less can keep you stuck
- “Compassionate curiosity” and the mindset shift that unlocks progress
Key takeaways
- You’re not broken - you’re adapting. Midlife physiology changes the rules, not your potential.
- Muscle matters: guard (and build) it to support metabolism, strength and confidence.
- Stress is a major player. High cortisol + low fuel = poor recovery and stubborn fat.
- Fuel and train for recovery: smart strength, sensible cardio, adequate protein/energy intake.
- Become the expert on your own body. Notice patterns, test tweaks, and support the season you’re in.
Links & resources
- The Reboot — Carly’s coaching program for midlife women who want to feel incredible. Check it out here: The Reboot
- Carly's free Training Tweak Guide - one small (free!) change you can make to your workouts today to get them working again: Get The Tweak
- Connect with Carly on Instagram - @carlycorrigall
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