WHY "NORMAL" ISN'T WHAT YOU THINK
In my recent conversation with Daphne Kostova, a certified holistic nutritionist specializing in hormonal balance and metabolic health for women over 40, she shared a perspective that was very empowering.
“Just because a symptom is common does not mean it’s normal,” Daphne emphasized.
This insight from Daphne reveals a concerning trend she’s observed: women accepting discomfort as inevitable simply because it’s widespread. As she explained to me, this misconception is costing women their vitality during what should be some of their most meaningful decades.
UNDERSTANDING PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE WITH DAPHNE
According to Daphne, women over 40 typically experience declining levels of progesterone and estrogen. This natural shift impacts inflammatory levels, insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar regulation. Combined with heightened stress from work pressures, family responsibilities, and aging parents, Daphne described this as “the perfect storm” for challenging symptoms.
During our interview, Daphne identified these common symptoms:
- Unexplained weight gain (sometimes 10-15 pounds seemingly overnight)
- Bloated belly and digestive issues
- Low energy and fatigue
- Mood swings and irritability
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disruption
- Brain fog and forgetfulness
Daphne was confident about one thing: experiencing these symptoms isn’t your fault. However, she emphasized they are not inevitable conditions you must simply endure.
DAPHNE'S ROOT CAUSE APPROACH TO HORMONAL BALANCE
Despite persistent misinformation, Daphne shared that there are natural, holistic strategies that can significantly improve or completely reverse these symptoms. She’s helped hundreds of women achieve this transformation, starting with herself in her mid-30s when she began experiencing hot flashes and night sweats much earlier than expected.
Daphne’s root cause approach focuses on addressing foundational imbalances rather than just masking symptoms:
- Supporting Blood Sugar Regulation
Daphne explained that blood sugar instability directly impacts hormonal balance. When we experience blood sugar spikes and crashes, it triggers stress hormones that further disrupt our delicate hormonal ecosystem.
- Addressing Inflammatory Levels
Inflammation is a key driver of hormonal symptoms, according to Daphne. By identifying and reducing inflammatory triggers through personalized nutrition, she’s seen significant calming effects in her clients’ systems.
- Improving Insulin Sensitivity
Daphne noted that insulin resistance increases with age and hormonal changes, contributing to weight gain and energy issues. Her specific nutritional and lifestyle strategies are designed to dramatically improve insulin sensitivity.
- Managing Stress Response
Our bodies don’t distinguish between different types of stress, Daphne told me. Work deadlines, family concerns, or poor nutrition all trigger the same physiological response. Her approach includes practical stress management techniques she considers essential.
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION: DAPHNE'S FOUNDATION FOR HORMONAL HEALTH
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to hormonal health,” Daphne shared during our conversation. In her practice, she starts with comprehensive bloodwork, analyzing 34 different values, to create truly personalized nutrition plans.
Daphne was quick to clarify this isn’t about deprivation or starvation. Her clients eat regular, abundant meals even during the initial detox phase. The focus is on nourishing the body rather than restricting it.
As she explained to me, Daphne works with clients to:
- Balance their plates according to unique hormonal needs
- Adjust servings based on individual activity levels
- Introduce variety gradually to create sustainable habits
- Incorporate appropriate movement that supports rather than stresses the hormonal system
The results? Week by week, Daphne sees symptoms begin to resolve, energy returns, and that stubborn weight gain often reverses itself as a natural side effect of improved hormonal balance.
DAPHNE'S CONSISTENCY OVER INTENSITY PRINCIPLE
When it comes to supporting hormonal health through movement, Daphne shared a principle that consistently delivers results: consistency trumps intensity every time.
“I have clients who simply walk for an hour daily. That’s it. And they achieve their goals in terms of symptom reversal and optimal weight,” she told me.
For women over 40, Daphne warned that excessive cardio can actually cause more harm than good. When stress levels are already elevated, intense exercise can further tax your system and worsen hormonal imbalances.
Instead, she recommends:
- Regular, moderate movement scheduled as non-negotiable appointments
- Building gradually from 2-3 sessions weekly
- Activities that promote recovery and relaxation, not additional stress
- Movement that you genuinely enjoy and can maintain long-term
THE ESSENTIAL MINDSET SHIFT: DAPHNE'S SELF-LOVE FIRST APPROACH
Perhaps the most powerful insight Daphne shared during our interview was this: “You cannot build your healthiest body while hating it.”
Self-love isn’t just a nice concept, Daphne explained, it’s the essential foundation for lasting transformation. She always begins work with clients by establishing this foundation because our bodies respond differently when approached with care rather than criticism.
“Progress over perfection, consistency over intensity, and quick forgiveness when you slip up, these are the winning themes for emotional well-being and physical health,” Daphne emphasized.
TAKING DAPHNE'S ADVICE FORWARD
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms Daphne described, her message is clear: you don’t have to simply accept them as your “new normal.” Whether you’re in your late 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, she believes it is absolutely never too late to support your hormonal health.
Even if you’re already in menopause, Daphne asserts you can still normalize blood sugar, lower inflammation, and achieve overall hormonal balance. The body has a remarkable capacity to heal when given the right support.
As Daphne told me, the journey begins with refusing to accept that feeling unwell is inevitable. You deserve to feel vibrant, energetic, and comfortable in your body at every age.
Daphne Kostova is a certified holistic nutritionist specializing in hormonal balance and metabolic health for women over 40. She helps clients reverse or significantly improve symptoms like weight gain, hot flashes, low energy, and sleep problems through personalized nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Her approach focuses on addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms. If you are interested in working with Daphne Kostova, contact us today to learn more and get an exclusive discount as member of our community at incorpo studio.
mila aleshina
curator
STOTT PILATES INSTRUCTOR, FRC MOVEMENT SPECIALIST, ELDOA PRACTITIONER
“It’s not enough to just get fit, you should be building a body that helps you enjoy your hobbies and activities without limitations.”
