Answer
The moment you realize you have put on 10-15 lbs, cannot lose weight for 3 months, and are more tired than normal, bloated, have headaches, and are grumpier than normal, get your blood drawn. There is a lot of shame surrounding body image and many Dr.s will tell you your symptoms are due to lack of movement, stress, or just tell you it’s “getting older”. If you have a cleanish diet, are active, and aren’t eating a cake per day, and you still feel like an old dishrag, get checked out…even if you’re still in your 30s. Request a full panel analysis, with thyroid and adrenals including vitamin and mineral levels. Get 2nd and 3rd opinions. Women are notorious for pushing through discomfort and minimizing feelings. Although life is stressful, you should not feel like an empty cup, every day. You should not be in the gym 7 days a week, without any movement on the scale or feeling better in your clothes. Those symptoms are your body’s way of communicating with you. Get them checked and keep getting other opinions until you find a practitioner who will work with your body, and not hold your experience in contrast with other bodies. Remember, only you can prevent forest fires. If something feels off, it is.