When the hormones drop: Losing the scaffolding that once held you together
One of the most powerful things a naturopath once told me was this:
“When estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone drop, it’s like losing your scaffolding. Everything you leaned on to cope, emotionally and physically, feels like it’s crumbling.”
And that’s exactly what it felt like.
The hormone collapse and your nervous system
I had no idea how much my hormones had been holding me up, especially estrogen. When they dropped, so did my ability to stay calm, feel stable, or cope with everyday stress.
Suddenly I was:
Anxious over the smallest things
Unable to manage decisions or simple tasks
Overwhelmed by sounds, light, or even conversation
Waking in panic, unable to sleep, wired but exhausted
This wasn’t just mental or emotional. This was physical. My nervous system was fried.
And until that point, I had taken it for granted, assuming it would always be strong, always be there.
Sympathetic vs parasympathetic: Why it matters
Your nervous system has two main settings:
Sympathetic (fight or flight): This is the stressed-out, adrenaline-fueled mode. It's useful in short bursts, but many of us live here chronically.
Parasympathetic (rest and digest): This is the healing state. Your body calms down, stress hormones lower, and your system rebalances.
Menopause-related hormone decline makes it harder to return to that parasympathetic calm, especially if you've lived a fast-paced life, ignored your stress levels, or pushed your body without rest.
The result? Burnout, anxiety, and a sense that you’re falling apart inside.
Rebuilding from the inside out
It dawned on me that if I wanted to feel better, I had to actively take care of my nervous system every single day.
I now prioritise simple rituals that support calm and regulation:
🌞 Sitting in the sun with no phone, just nature
🛁 Taking a bath with music that soothes my soul
🌿 Deep breathing, even just for five minutes
🧘♀️ Daily mindfulness or meditation
📵 Letting go of the constant mental “to-do list”
These might sound small, but they are deeply powerful. When you quiet the mind, the body follows. And that’s when the healing starts.
You don’t have to do it alone
If this sounds like you, if your nervous system feels like it’s at breaking point, please know you’re not alone, and you’re not “just anxious.”
This is physiological. Hormonal. Nervous system deep.
That’s why I created resources to help:
Symptom Tracker Tool – Understand how your stress and hormone symptoms connect.
Estrogen Rollercoaster PDF – Learn how fluctuating estrogen affects your mind and body.
Lifestyle Course – A gentle, supportive program to rebalance your nervous system and body—naturally or alongside HRT.
Final thought
When was the last time you truly slowed down?
Not just rested, but let go of doing, thinking, and planning?
Sit outside.
Feel the breeze.
Let go of thoughts.
Listen to the quiet.
Let your body shift gears.
These moments aren’t just nice, they’re necessary. Especially now.
Give yourself permission to soften, pause, and heal. Your nervous system is asking for it, and you deserve to feel whole again.