Midlife Crisis in Women: Signs, Causes + 10 Proven Solutions

As women enter midlife, it’s common to feel a subtle shift — or sometimes a full-on earthquake — in how we see ourselves and our lives. What once felt certain can suddenly feel blurry.

Careers, relationships, health, and even our sense of purpose may come into question.

This season, often called a midlife crisis in women, isn’t really a crisis at all — it’s a powerful period of transition and self-discovery.

It can bring feelings of sadness, restlessness, or dissatisfaction, but it can also open the door to incredible growth, clarity, and renewal.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes, signs, and practical ways to navigate a midlife crisis with more grace, purpose, and confidence — so you can rediscover yourself and embrace the woman you’re becoming.

What is a Midlife Crisis?

When we think of a midlife crisis, we often imagine a middle-aged man buying a red sports car, but a midlife crisis is much more than buying a flashy car.

Midlife crisis is a term used to describe a period of emotional turmoil and self-reflection that occurs in midlife.

It can affect both men and women, but women tend to experience it differently. Midlife crisis is a normal part of the aging process, and it can be a time of growth and transformation if managed effectively.

The Definition of a Midlife Crisis

According sources all over the interwebs, a midlife crisis is a stage of life or a period of transition in life where someone struggles with their identity and self-confidence.

Signs and Symptoms of a Midlife Crisis in Women

Symptoms of a midlife crisis vary as the midlife experience differs for everyone.

The symptoms of a midlife crisis can be brought on by biological changes, physiological changes, and lifestyle changes.

Signs of midlife crisis in a woman:

• Inner turmoil: The feeling of restlessness or boredom.
• Panic attacks + Heart Palpitations
• Mood swings + Increased irritability
• Sleeplessness or over-sleeping
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol
• Loss of sex drive (erectile dysfunction in men)
• Obsessive concern about physical appearance
• Lack of concern about physical appearance
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Symptoms of Depression + Anxiety
• Low energy levels
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Lack of focus (brain fog) and Memory Loss
• Loss of interest in things once loved
• Obsessive regrets of the past and life choices
• Impulsivity + lousy decision-making

The Causes of a Midlife Crisis

There are several common causes of midlife crisis in women.

Including hormonal changes, changes in family dynamics such as an empty nest or divorce, financial issues, aging and mortality, and more.

Common Causes of Midlife Crisis in Middle-aged Adults

• Hormonal changes (this is a biggy!)
• Divorce: Divorce rates climb after 50!
• Empty nest syndrome: Kids are gone, now what?
• Financial issues: Worries about retirement.
• Loss: The death of a parent, family member, or friend.
• Health Problems: Changes in Physical abilities
• The aging process: Undesirable physical changes

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can play a significant role in the onset of a midlife crisis in women.

As women approach menopause, their levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, leading to a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia.

These symptoms can be challenging to cope with, and they can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

The emotional and psychological effects of hormonal changes can be significant and contribute to the onset of a midlife crisis.

Changes in Family and Relationships

As women enter middle age, they may experience family and relationship changes. Children may leave home, marriages may end, and parents may pass away.

These changes can be emotionally taxing and lead to loneliness and isolation.

Career and Financial Challenges

Women in midlife may face career and financial challenges, such as job loss, retirement, and financial insecurity.

These challenges can be overwhelming and can cause feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Aging and Mortality

As women approach middle age, they can become more aware of their mortality. This awareness can cause them to reflect on their lives and question their purpose and accomplishments.

It can also lead to anxiety and fear about the future.

Related Article: How to Age Gracefully + Look Younger!

Midlife Crises Can Become Very Serious

Midlife transitions (a midlife crisis) can be a dark time. It can lead to destructive behavior, lousy decision-making, spiraling out of control, and severe depression.

There are many instances where people feel so unhappy and out-of-sort that they make impulsive decisions and even “blow up their lives” based on their emotions during a midlife crisis.

If you find yourself struggling and perhaps even depressed-seek professional help.

Find a therapist, a pastor, a life coach, or a close friend to talk to.

Don’t try to white-knuckle your way through it alone.

Does Midlife Have to Be a Crisis?

While middle age can be a stressful time in a person’s life, but does it have to be a crisis?

I’ll go ahead and throw this out there and see where it lands.

Maybe we can make a choice. We can view this time in our lives as an opportunity for personal growth, not a crisis.

Could it be that midlife doesn’t have to be the beginning of the end? But instead, a new beginning!?

It can be a time to start dreaming about what you want for your life—a time of personal enlightenment and freedom.

Growing older can be a good thing!

Midlife Crisis In Women: Signs, Causes, and Solutions

Now that we’ve covered the causes of midlife crisis in women and the signs and symptoms you may be experiencing as a middle-aged woman take heart!

I’ve got good news! While a woman’s midlife crisis can be a stressful time, there are solutions!

From making small tweaks to more dramatic life changes, a female midlife crisis can be a turning point! A time to reinvent yourself and create the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Now is the time. Seize the day.

The best way to start any journey is by making the first step. Start by making small tweaks and work to make more drastic changes if necessary.

I’m starting with what will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Hormones.

1. Get Your Hormones In Balance.

Middle-aged women typically experience midlife crisis symptoms when they experience hormonal imbalances caused by perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause.

During perimenopause, levels of estrogen start to decrease. As Estrogen decreases, it throws off progesterone levels as well.

You may begin having menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and a significant change in periods.

Perimenopause begins about eight to 10 years before menopause. It usually starts in your mid-40s, but it can begin earlier.

Menopause

Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility in women. It marks the natural limit of a woman’s reproductive years and typically occurs between 45 and 55.

During menopause, hormone levels decline significantly, which can lead to physical changes such as hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain.

Additionally, there can be psychological changes such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause!

• vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• weight gain
• migraines
• depression and anxiety
• low sex-drive
• loss of fertility

When I hit what felt like a midlife crisis at 53 years old, I dug into the symptoms I was experiencing (hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, migraines, low libido) and decided to get my hormones checked. Game-changer!

Related article: BHRT: Bioidentical hormones (my story)

My hormones and thyroid were out of whack, and my adrenal function and cortisol levels were in the tank. No wonder I was miserable.

I got some hormones (BRHT pelleting) and thyroid meds and added essential vitamins and supplements I was missing. Within two months, I felt like a completely different human being!

Never underestimate the power of hormones. Let me say that again for those of you in the back. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF HORMONES.

2. Make Self-care a Priority.

Self-Care is a buzzword these days. But, by definition, Self-care is the practice of actively protecting one’s well-being, health, and happiness! LOVE IT! 

Midlife is the perfect time to start taking better care of yourself.

Put on Your Oxygen Mask!

It’s the whole oxygen mask on an airplane thing. You’ve got to help yourself first before you can be of any help to anyone else.

Practical Ways to Practice Self-Care

• Learn to meditate. Practice Mindfulness.
• Take long walks, enjoy sunsets, etc.
• Do what you love as much as possible.
• Take mornings slow. Enjoy the time set aside for you.
• Start a gratitude journal. Gratitude is everything.
• Update your skincare routine. It needs to happen.
• Work on Sleep Hygiene. Good Sleep makes all the difference!
• Move your body. Find a way to exercise that you enjoy
• Eat well. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Take Vitamins and Supplements for your age range.
• Spend quality time with friends and family members.
• Take breaks from social media.

Related article: The self-care alphabet: Self-care 26 ways

3. Simplify Your Life with Big and Small Steps

Simplifying your lifestyle can be a powerful way to take control of a midlife crisis in women.

This can mean decluttering your home, saying no more often, reducing financial stress, or downsizing your home.

Simplifying your lifestyle can make more room for things that bring joy and fulfillment, such as pursuing new hobbies and interests.

Here are some steps to simplify your lifestyle:

Declutter

Start by decluttering your home and removing items that no longer serve a purpose. This can help create a sense of calm and organization.

Learn to say no to commitments and activities that do not align with your values and priorities. This can help reduce stress and free up time for what truly matters.

Say no

Don’t over-commit your time: Be mindful of your schedule and avoid over-committing your time. Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Remember: “No” is a Complete Sentence!

Simplify your finances

Reduce financial stress by simplifying your finances. Consider consolidating accounts, automating payments, and reducing unnecessary expenses.

Downsize your home

Moving to a smaller home can reduce financial stress and provide a sense of freedom and simplicity. And, moving to a new community may just be what the doctor ordered!

Related article: How to Reinvent Yourself at 50!

4. Let Yourself Dream

Dream up some dreams for your life.

Do you want to travel the world? Learn how to paint?

Maybe you want to learn how to play a musical instrument or chess? Always wanted to learn how to garden or perhaps to play tennis? You get the idea.

Have you let yourself dream? If not, it’s high time that you do.

Related: The Best Hobbies for Women Over 40+

Make a Vision Board

Creating a vision board is a creative and fun way to put those dreams and goals front and center.

Set aside a few hours and get ready to get crafty! Pull together a poster board, old magazines, scissors, markers, stickers, and a glue stick.

Cut out pictures of things you love, would love to have, do places you want to go, etc.

Maybe it’s that white Tesla, that beautiful flower garden, and that sassy haircut- Then, add one piece at a time, creating a collage. Voilà! A one-of-a-kind vision board!

Put it somewhere that you will see it daily. Spend time focusing on your vision board, and keep dreaming!

Related article: How to Make a Vision Board for the New Year!

Create a Dream Journal + a Goal Planner

Journaling about how you feel and what you want in life is powerful!

Grab a journal just for your dreams. Use your morning quiet time and allow your goals, wishes, and desires to pour on the page.

Once you’ve sorted your dreams, you can develop an action plan!

5. Set goals. Take action.

When you’re in the middle of a midlife crisis, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure of what’s next. Setting small, meaningful goals helps you regain direction and remind yourself that you’re still growing, learning, and evolving.

Start by asking: What do I want this next chapter to look like? Choose goals that feel aligned with who you are becoming—not who you were. Then take one small action today to move forward.

Here are a few examples:

• Reconnect with your passions → Sign up for a class, workshop, or creative retreat.
  
• Improve your health and energy → Start walking each morning or try a new type of movement like yoga or Pilates.
  
• Nurture your emotional well-being → Begin journaling or see a therapist or coach who specializes in midlife transitions.
  
• Expand your circle → Join a women’s group, book club, or local art class to meet new friends.
  
• Plan something exciting → Book a weekend getaway or start planning a dream trip you’ve always wanted to take.

Small, consistent steps create powerful change. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just start where you are and take the next right step forward.

Related: How to Reclaim Your Power in Midlife

6. Do Your Best & Don’t Half-ass It!

One of my favorite life values is always doing our best. No matter what. Some days our best is outstanding and goes well beyond the status quo; other days, we fall on our faces.

The idea of success or failure is not the point. The point is to give it everything you’ve got.

You didn’t come this far only to come this far!

Matthew McConaughey says it better than I ever could. This quick video is worth the watch.

It’s so convicting and motivating and makes perfect sense. And I love me some Matthew McConaughey, don’t you?

7. Get Your Affairs in Order

Now is the time to finish everything you’ve been putting off! It will feel so damn good and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Here are a few ideas to help get you started:

Contact A Lawyer

It’s high time to have a living trust drawn up.

Of course, nobody wants to think about this stuff. But, it has to happen. It will make things easier for your loved ones who are already grieving.

I know some people go as far as to plan their funerals. If you are into this, great, but I’m not there yet.

Get Your Passport

If you don’t already have one, get one! Or renew the one you’ve got! (you may need it for that trip you’ve always wanted to take!)

And don’t forget, to go get one of those fancy driver’s licenses!

Talk to a Financial adviser.

Whatever your financial situation, you must know where you stand and your options. (knowledge=power)

Make health appointments.

Make those medical and dental appointments that you’ve been putting off. You know, the ones.

• Dental appointment (every six months)
• See the dermatologist (if it grows, it goes!)
• Have an annual mammogram and check your breasts monthly
• See your primary care doctor: Get a yearly physical and have your labs checked
• Have your eyes checked and update your glasses prescription
• Don’t forget your pelvic exam + Pap smear (I know)

Getting our affairs in order puts us in a place of power and gives us a sense of security and safety.

Having a sense of order and security brings a feeling of safety. And feeling safe can do a lot for those fears that keep you up in the middle of the night.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Seeking professional guidance during a midlife crisis can be an essential step toward managing symptoms and finding clarity and purpose.

Mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists, can provide an objective perspective and help women explore their thoughts, feelings, and goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Seeing a clinical psychologist can also provide practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety and offer guidance on navigating major life transitions.

Therapy or counseling can also provide a space for self-exploration and personal growth as women reflect on their values, priorities, and goals.

Additionally, seeking professional guidance can help women build coping skills and resilience, valuable tools for managing future challenges. While seeking professional advice can be intimidating, it can also be a transformative and empowering experience.

There is no shame in seeking help; doing so can be essential to a happier, healthier you.

9. Build Strong Relationships

One of the most healing things you can do during a midlife crisis is to surround yourself with people who see you, support you, and bring out your best self.

Relationships—whether with family, friends, or a community of like-minded women—can become your lifeline through seasons of transition and self-discovery.

Make time to nurture the connections that feel life-giving. Call a friend just to talk, plan a coffee date, or join a group that aligns with your current passions or stage of life.

Building a strong support system gives you a safe place to process emotions, share laughter, and remind yourself that you’re not alone in this midlife journey.

When women connect with other women walking similar paths, something powerful happens—a sense of belonging returns.

You begin to see that midlife isn’t the end of anything; it’s the beginning of a deeper, more authentic way of living.

Ways to Strengthen Your Relationships:

• Reconnect intentionally: Reach out to old friends or family members you’ve lost touch with.
• Create new circles: Join a women’s group, art class, or book club centered around growth and creativity.
• Be open and honest: Share how you’re really feeling—authenticity builds closeness.
• Give as much as you receive: Listen, encourage, and celebrate others’ wins.
• Prioritize connection: Schedule regular check-ins, dinners, or walks with the people who fill your cup.

Strong, supportive relationships don’t just ease loneliness—they nurture emotional resilience, boost happiness, and help you rediscover joy and purpose in this vibrant season of life.

Related article: How to make friends in your 50s

10. Try New Things: Pursue Personal Interests and Hobbies

One of the best ways to move through a midlife crisis is to rediscover your curiosity. When life feels uncertain, trying something new can reignite your sense of adventure and remind you that growth doesn’t have an expiration date.

Exploring new hobbies and interests gives women in midlife a chance to reconnect with their creativity, discover hidden talents, and experience joy in fresh ways.

Whether you’re learning for fun or pursuing a lifelong dream, each new interest adds color, confidence, and meaning to your days.

These pursuits also help build community—meeting others who share your passions can create friendships and a sense of belonging that many women crave during this season of transition.

Ideas to Explore:

• Take an online course — Dive into something that sparks your curiosity, from photography or design to wellness or entrepreneurship.
  
• Dance lessons — Move your body, boost your mood, and have fun—whether it’s ballroom, salsa, or line dancing.
  
• Gardening — Connect with nature, reduce stress, and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing something that grows.
  
• Painting or drawing — Tap into your creative side; art can be deeply therapeutic and healing.
  
• Writing — Try journaling, creative writing, or even starting a blog to express your story and inspire others.

Exploring new hobbies isn’t about filling time—it’s about coming alive again.

Each small step you take toward curiosity and creativity helps you build a richer, more fulfilling life beyond the “midlife crisis” label.

FAQs: Midlife Crisis in Women

Do only women experience a midlife crisis?

No. Both men and women can experience a midlife crisis, though it often shows up differently. For many women in midlife, it can be triggered by hormonal changes, shifting family roles, or questions about identity and purpose.

Read more: Midlife Crisis in Men (coming soon)

How long does a midlife crisis last for women?

The duration varies from person to person, but most women experience noticeable change and emotional fluctuation for about 2 to 5 years. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a permanent “crisis” — it’s a season of growth, healing, and realignment.

Can a midlife crisis be prevented?

Not entirely — but it can be softened and navigated with more ease.

Practicing regular self-care, nurturing relationships, and maintaining a sense of curiosity about life all help.

You might enjoy my guide on self-care ideas for women over 50.

Is it normal to feel anxious or emotional during a midlife crisis?

Absolutely. Anxiety, irritability, or sadness are common as you process life transitions and changing hormones.

Midlife is a powerful time of emotional recalibration — you’re not “losing it,” you’re simply being invited to slow down and realign.

Try these grounding affirmations for calm and clarity.

Can a midlife crisis lead to positive changes?

Yes! When approached with awareness and compassion, a midlife crisis can spark incredible personal transformation — from rediscovering your passions to building deeper, more authentic relationships.

Think of it as a midlife awakening, not a breakdown.

How can I support a loved one going through a midlife crisis?

Listen without judgment, offer emotional support, and remind them that what they’re feeling is normal. Encourage therapy, journaling, or creative outlets that foster self-expression.

Can a midlife crisis affect physical health?

Yes. Stress and emotional strain can take a toll on your sleep, energy, and hormones. Prioritizing rest, movement, and nutrition is key.

What are the most common challenges women face in midlife?

Women often experience a mix of emotional and physical changes, including:

• Hormonal fluctuations (menopause or perimenopause)
• Relationship shifts (empty nest, divorce, or caregiving)
• Career burnout or lack of purpose
• Grief, loss, or changes in identity

Is a midlife crisis the same as a midlife awakening?

Not exactly. A midlife crisis often begins with confusion or dissatisfaction — but when you lean into self-reflection, it can evolve into a midlife awakening, a renewed sense of purpose, freedom, and authenticity.

Can a midlife crisis actually be a good thing?

Yes! Many women say it was the turning point that led them to a more meaningful, fulfilling life.

With the right mindset and support, a midlife crisis can become your midlife rebirth — a time to rediscover joy, creativity, and confidence.

Conclusion: Midlife Crisis in Women

A midlife crisis in women is a normal part of the aging process and can be a challenging time as women navigate physical, emotional, and psychological changes.

Understanding the causes and signs of a midlife crisis is essential to managing its symptoms and promoting personal growth and fulfillment.

Getting hormones in check, seeking professional help, pursuing personal interests, and focusing on the positive aspects of life are all practical solutions to managing a midlife crisis.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a midlife crisis, know that you are not alone, and resources are available to help you navigate this transition gracefully and purposefully.

The Bottom Line: Life is hard

The bottom line is life is hard. Midlife is hard. But as Glennon Doyle says, We can do hard things!

Just remember to be kind to yourself. Take one day at a time. Put one foot in front of the other. Do the next right thing, the next, and so on.

Everything will be ok, and if it’s not OK-then, it’s not the end. Keep going. Don’t quit.

Believe in yourself and your dreams. You’ve got this!

XO, Christine