Common Doesn’t Mean Normal
Rethinking Symptoms as We Age
We’ve all heard it before: "That’s just part of getting older."
Whether it’s fatigue, weight gain, thinning hair, joint pain, or low libido, we’re often told to accept these symptoms as the inevitable toll of aging. But here’s the truth: common does not mean normal—and that distinction matters more than ever when it comes to your health.
We’ve Normalized Dysfunction
In today’s world, the bar for "normal" health is shockingly low. We live in a system that often treats symptoms with band-aid solutions rather than seeking the root cause. As a result, many people—especially in midlife—assume that feeling “off” is just part of the deal.
But here’s the thing: your body is constantly communicating with you.
Symptoms are signals, not sentences.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s commonly accepted as “normal” for men and women—and why we need to challenge those assumptions.
What’s Common for Women (But Not Normal)
Hot flashes? Common in menopause, yes—but they often point to deeper hormone imbalances that can be supported with nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted therapies.
Exhaustion or burnout? Many women carry the invisible weight of mental load, family, and career. But if you're constantly fatigued, waking up unrested, or needing caffeine to function, that’s a red flag—not a personality flaw.
Weight gain around the midsection? Especially after 40, this is often blamed on “slowing metabolism.” In reality, it could be linked to insulin resistance, cortisol dysregulation, or even histamine or mast cell activation.
Brain fog or forgetfulness? Not just “mom brain” or menopause. It could be tied to inflammation, blood sugar instability, or poor detoxification.
What’s Common for Men (But Not Normal)
Low testosterone? It’s estimated that nearly 40% of men over 45 have low T—but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. Poor sleep, toxic exposures, insulin resistance, and stress all contribute, and most of these are modifiable.
Loss of motivation or drive? Mental health struggles in men often present as fatigue, irritability, or withdrawal—not necessarily sadness. It’s not weakness. It’s biology asking for support.
Muscle loss and joint pain? Yes, sarcopenia is common with aging, but it’s not inevitable. Optimizing protein intake, resistance training, and reducing inflammation can turn this around.
Cognitive decline? It’s often assumed that men “just slow down” mentally with age, but cognitive health can and should be supported through gut-brain support, cardiovascular health, and reducing oxidative stress.
The Cost of Accepting “Normal”
When we dismiss symptoms as part of aging, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to thrive in midlife and beyond. We lower our expectations of what’s possible and, worse, miss the early signs of reversible issues.
Aging is inevitable. Dysfunction is not.
We are meant to age with resilience, energy, and vitality—but that requires listening to your body, challenging the norms, and working with providers who look deeper than the surface.
What You Can Do
Track your symptoms: Don’t wait until things are “bad enough.” Start connecting the dots between how you feel and what your body might be telling you.
Ask better questions: Instead of “What pill can I take for this?” ask, “Why is this happening?”
Test, don’t guess: Comprehensive labs, hormone panels, and gut testing can provide insight into the root causes.
Prioritize foundational health: Sleep, hydration, muscle-building movement, clean nutrition, and nervous system regulation go further than any quick fix.
Find a provider who sees the whole picture: You deserve to work with someone who sees you as a complex, dynamic human—not just a collection of symptoms.
What will you accept for yourself?
The next time you hear, “That’s just part of aging,” pause. Ask yourself:
“Is this actually normal for the human body—or just something we’ve come to accept because so many people feel this way?”
You are not meant to just survive. You’re meant to feel strong, clear, connected, and alive—at every age.
Let’s raise the bar on what we expect from aging—and start treating vitality as the new normal. Schedule an appointment today at The Wellness Lounge so we can begin tackling the root and return you to your true “normal”.