Many women over 60 come to me feeling frustrated. They tell me they are eating in a way that supports their body, they are moving more, they are finally sleeping better, and yet the scale refuses to budge, or their clothes feel tighter than expected. They immediately assume it must be their fault.
When You Are Doing Everything “Right” But Something Still Feels Off
Often it is not about effort at all. As we age, our bodies respond differently to medication, supplements, and even simple hormonal changes. And because no one teaches women how these shifts can feel, they end up blaming their willpower instead of recognizing what might actually be happening.
You are not imagining it. You are not failing. And you are certainly not alone.
Medication Can Affect How You Feel
This is important. I am not a doctor and cannot give medical advice. What I can say, after working with women for years, is that many notice changes in their appetite, sleep, digestion, energy, or weight after starting or adjusting certain medications. Not with everyone, and not in predictable ways, but enough that it is worth paying attention to.
Some women tell me that medication makes them feel hungrier than usual. Others feel more tired, which makes movement harder. Some notice more bloating or water retention. Some feel calmer or more balanced, which helps their eating habits, while others feel the opposite.
None of this means a medication is “bad” or wrong for you. It simply means your body is responding, and it is okay to notice that.
This Matters More After 60
As we age, metabolism, hormones, digestion, liver function, and sleep all change. The same medication that felt fine at 50 may feel different at 65. This is normal, but it can be confusing if no one has explained it to you.
Women are often on more than one medication by this age, and combinations can feel different than a single prescription. Again, this does not mean they should be stopped or changed. It simply means that if something feels off, you deserve the space to talk about it.
I am always astounded when a woman tells me that her doctor prescribed two or three medications and did not discuss the interactions with her. Or, that her doctor didn’t really explain what side effects might appear. Or, even more upsetting, that her doctor wouldn’t even discuss any other options such as homeopathic or dietary solutions. If you run into this situation, ask your pharmacist for a rundown of everything you are taking. Check with a naturopathic or homeopathic practitioner if you want to investigate other avenues.
Awareness is powerful. It allows you to advocate for yourself instead of blaming yourself.
What You Can Bring to Your Doctor’s Attention
Doctors want to help, but they can only address what they know. Many women stay silent because they do not want to be a bother, or they assume what they are feeling is “just aging.”
Don’t be shy or embarrassed to press for answers. Yes, the internet and AI can provide information, but you do want to talk to a medical professional to make sure what is best for YOU!
Here are supportive, non-confrontational questions you can bring to your next appointment.
- I have noticed changes in my appetite, sleep, energy, or weight. Could any of my medications be contributing?
- If so, are there alternatives, timing adjustments, or formulations that might work better for me?
- Is it possible that different medications I take are interacting in a way that affects how I feel?
- Should any of my supplements be reviewed to make sure they work safely with my prescriptions?
- Would it be helpful to check any labs to see how I am processing my medications?
You are not questioning your doctor. You are partnering with them. That is responsible and empowering. Of course, I have been told by many women that these conversations led them to find a new healthcare practitioner. Remember, this is about your health, your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. It’s okay to take charge.
The Truth About Supplements
The supplement world can be overwhelming, especially when every bottle claims to fix something. Many women take more supplements than they need, simply because they are trying to feel better or cover all bases.
Here is the safest, simplest guidance:
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about every supplement you take.
- Make sure nothing interacts with your prescriptions.
- Choose supplements based on real need, not marketing promises.
After talking with my doctor, and doing labs, she told me I was taking more supplements than I needed, and that I should cut out certain ones that are processed through my kidneys.
You deserve clarity. You deserve to feel confident about what you are putting into your body.
What You Can Control That Makes a Difference
Even when medication plays a role in how your body feels, you still have areas where gentle changes can help you feel more in control. Here are a few of them:
- Supporting blood sugar with balanced meals.
- Prioritizing protein throughout the day.
- Gentle strength training for muscle support.
- Better sleep hygiene to calm hunger hormones.
- Stress reduction techniques like breathing or meditation.
- Hydration for energy and digestion.
These are not fixes. They are supports. Your body responds best to consistency, compassion, and calm.
You Are Not Doing Anything Wrong
If your weight has changed while you are doing your best to take care of yourself, it does not mean you have failed. It may simply mean your body is responding to shifts you were never told to expect.
You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to advocate for your comfort. You are allowed to say, “Something feels different,” without blaming yourself.
Your body is always communicating. Your job is not to judge it. Your job is to listen with curiosity, get support when you need it, and trust that you are not alone on this journey.
You deserve to feel informed. You deserve to feel empowered.
And you deserve to feel at home in your body, no matter what is in your medicine cabinet.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you noticed any weight gain or mood changes after taking medications? How did you know? What have you done about it?