Do you cave and just not do anything—yet spend your whole time berating yourself for being lazy?

Do you force yourself to do what you're putting off but only do it half-heartedly because of inner resistance?

Do you feed yourself in the hope that motivation will come?

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I am not motivated, and I always thought of this as an inner flaw—something about my personality that made me this way. I would watch others in envy as they just seemed to get things done effortlessly.

Since studying nutrition, my interests have gone beyond what people put in their mouths or how often they move their bodies, because these are not the only factors in maintaining healthy behaviours.

I recently came across a lot of information on dopamine, and oh my goodness, what a revelation it has been in terms of understanding both my own behaviour and that of others. When you realise that some people have fluctuating levels of dopamine, you begin to understand that we are not all equal on the motivation scale.

Dopamine, Motivation, and Menopause

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that sends signals to the brain, affecting motivation and reward—two elements that are deeply interconnected.

Let’s face it: for some women, going through menopause can be tough. If their motivation is waning, then finding the energy to exercise, eat the right foods, or engage in self-care can be incredibly difficult. Dopamine thrives on rewards, so when motivation is low, you may find yourself craving food rewards to boost your drive. It sounds like a vicious cycle, doesn’t it?

In my practice, I often run comprehensive hormone tests, which can highlight when dopamine levels may be dysregulated. Through nutritional and lifestyle coaching, we work together to keep you motivated, energised, and committed to the actions needed to support your hormonal health.

The Link Between Dopamine and Hormonal Health

Low levels of dopamine are associated with:

·       Depression

·       Addictions

·       Cravings

·       Apathy

·       Pleasure-seeking behaviours

·       Increased sleepiness

·       Impulsivity

·       Low motivation

·       Fatigue

·       Low mood

On the other hand, high dopamine levels can lead to:

·       Agitation

·       Insomnia

·       Hyperactivity

·       High stress

Many of these symptoms are relatable for menopausal women. For those with pre-existing ADHD, the drop in dopamine during menopause can make things even more challenging.

The plot thickens when you consider research showing that lowering oestrogen levels during menopause also lowers dopamine. This means that hormonal fluctuations play a key role in your motivation and energy levels.

My Approach to Sustainable Change

My goal is to provide more than just information—I aim to coach you in applying this knowledge to create long-term changes that support your health. Understanding how dopamine and hormonal shifts impact motivation is the first step to making real progress.

If you’d like to explore how nutritional support can help you regain energy and motivation, book a free nutritional chat with me today!