The Hormone Conversation Women in Their 20s & 30s Aren’t Having

Too Young for Hormone Issues? Not Always. Let’s Talk About Pre-Menopause, Low Hormones, and Feeling Like Yourself Again

If you’re in your 20s or 30s and feel off—tired, moody, bloated, breaking out, struggling with weight, or just not feeling like yourself—you’ve probably told yourself some version of:

“I’m too young to feel this way.”

And you’re right! But here’s the thing: hormone changes don’t suddenly flip on at menopause. They can start years earlier—and they don’t look the same for everyone.

Welcome to the very under-discussed world of early hormone shifts and pre-menopause.

What Is Pre-Menopause, Anyway?

Pre-menopause isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a phase. It refers to the years when hormone levels may begin to fluctuate before perimenopause or menopause officially begin. But it’s surprisingly hard to pin down.

For some women, these changes can start in their late 20s or early 30s. For others, they don’t show up until later, making it hard to specifically determine the cause. And the symptoms? They’re often subtle at first—and easy to dismiss.

What Hormone Changes Can Look Like in Your 20s

In your 20s, hormone shifts often get brushed off as stress or lifestyle-related—and sometimes they are. But sometimes larger pre-menopause hormone changes are part of the picture.

You might notice:

• Low energy despite decent sleep
• Increased anxiety or mood swings
• Breakouts or changes in skin texture
• Feeling inflamed or bloated more easily
• Trouble recovering from workouts
• A sense that your body just doesn’t bounce back like it used to

Nothing dramatic. Just… not quite right.

What Hormone Changes Can Look Like in Your 30s

In your 30s, those subtle signs may become harder to ignore.

Some women notice:

• Stubborn weight gain (especially around the midsection)
• Changes in libido
• Poor sleep or feeling wired-but-tired
• Brain fog or trouble focusing
• Skin looking dull, dry, or less resilient
• PMS symptoms that feel more intense than they used to

Many women with these symptoms are told everything is “normal” because their cycles are still regular. But you know when something isn’t right or just doesn’t feel normal anymore.

Low Hormones at a Young Age: Yes, It Happens

Up until now, hormone change conversations have been reserved for two times in our lives: puberty, and menopause. But our hormone levels actually fluctuate dramatically throughout our adult lives! Most often, this happens naturally as part of our bodies’ natural aging process.

But hormone levels can also be influenced by:

• Chronic stress
• Intense exercise
• Under-fueling or dieting
• Birth control history
• Genetics
• Poor sleep or burnout

Recognize any of the above in our modern, constantly moving lives? You’re not alone. It may be time to schedule a Wellness Consult and Labs to take a look at how your hormones are being affected by our current world, and how they’re affecting your daily life.

When Blood Work Can Be Especially Helpful

If symptoms feel more intense—or persistent—blood work can provide valuable insight. Lab testing may help clarify:

• Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels
• Thyroid function
• Other markers that influence energy, mood, skin, and metabolism

For some women, results simply offer reassurance. For others, they help guide next steps—whether that’s lifestyle support, peptides, or (when appropriate) hormone therapy.

And Yes—Hormone Therapy Can Be an Option (If and When It Makes Sense)

For women experiencing more significant hormone imbalances, bio-identical hormone therapy may be part of a longer-term wellness plan.

At CosmetiCare:

• Hormone therapy is never one-size-fits-all
• It begins with lab work and a medical evaluation
• Care is overseen by Dr. Michael Niccole, MD, FACS, and administered by Nurse Practitioner Marcela Dos Santos, DNP, FNP-C
• The focus is always on supporting overall health—not rushing into treatment

Not Ready for Hormone Therapy? Peptides May Be a Supportive Option

Many younger women aren’t ready for—or don’t need—hormone replacement therapy. That’s where peptides may come into the conversation.

Peptides are often explored as a way to support the body’s natural processes without directly replacing hormones. During a Wellness Consultation, your provider may discuss whether certain peptides could be appropriate based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

Some peptides women, especially in their 20s and 30s, often ask about include:

NAD+

NAD+ plays a role in cellular energy and resilience. It may support overall vitality, mental clarity, and help combat that constant “run down” feeling many young women experience.

Glow 50

Glow 50 is commonly associated with skin wellness. It may support healthy cellular turnover and skin quality, which can be appealing if your skin isn’t responding the way it used to.

Wolverine Complex

Often associated with recovery and repair, this peptide complex may support physical resilience and recovery, especially for women balancing workouts, careers, and busy schedules.

Peptides at CosmetiCare are a medically supervised program. The peptides themselves are typically administered with periodic in-office visits and lab work to support your overall health and well-being. Call or text our office to schedule a complimentary pre-consult to learn more about what peptides we offer and if you’re a candidate!

If You’re Thinking, “This Sounds Like Me…”

You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.

Feeling off in your 20s or 30s doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with you, but it may mean your body is asking for support. Call or text our office today at 949-718-6900 to schedule your complimentary pre-consult and see if you might be a candidate for peptides or BHRT.